Editorial: Farmers Not Seen or Heard

LOCAL farmers are speaking out about the drought, there are entire government departments representing primary industry, the Farmers Federation, New South Wales Farmers, Local Land Services, more organisations than you could poke a stick at and a raft of politicians from regional New South Wales actually in government walking around State Parliament, but the Premier today announced she was funding a position to be the “eyes and ears” on the ground for the government during the drought.

I was hopeful the announcement today would be of some real financial assistance to farmers, but announcing “eyes and ears” is a slap in the face. (See story: Premier Announces Eyes and Ears).

What is wrong with this government that they are not listening to so many people who are already on the ground?

Why haven’t they been able to formulate an actual plan that can support our farmers in a real way?

Prior to 2013 they had a drought support package that subsidised transport for livestock and fodder, so if they can’t come up with a new plan why not dust off the old one and at least have something?

All the farmers currently have is the option for a $20,000 loan from the government that may allow them to feed livestock for a couple of weeks and then they will have to repay the debt to the government with interest.

The government had a plan to help farmers prepare for drought, but they seem to have absolutely no plan to help them in the middle of a drought.

It seems it is easier for the government to cover their eyes and ears to the issue and create yet another public service position.

It seems much simpler for them to understand and act on issues such as building new stadiums or moving a museum at the cost of billions of dollars and ignore the entire agricultural sector which underpins the economy because it is outside the CBD and outside of their understanding.

If the government expects farmers not to be seen and not heard, I hope regional voters make themselves loud and clear at the next election, which is the only time politicians are made to listen.

Completely confounding!

Elizabeth Flaherty
editor of scone.com.au

Related stories:

• Premier Announces Eyes and Ears – May 14, 2018.
• Premier’s Plans Changed – May 14, 2018.
• Farmers Not Museums Need Help – May 9, 2018.
• Restrictions Applied at Worst Time – March 14, 2018.
• Farmers Speaking Out – March 13, 2018.