LABOR’S RAZOR GANG SLASHES MILLIONS FROM THE BUSH

The growth and future prosperity of rural and regional communities has been dealt a severe blow by Labor after the Finance Minister announced the Government will slash its spending in the bush, NSW Nationals Senator Fiona Nash said. Senator Nash said the news that Labor will cut drought funding for families still trying to recover from one of the worst droughts in living memory is a stark reminder of Labor’s inability to fully grasp the issues facing communities in the bush. “It’s obvious Labor doesn’t have the experience or the empathy needed to protect the interests of rural and regional Australians,” Senator Nash said. “That Labor would cut re-establishment funding because there aren’t enough people asking for it is just plain ridiculous and our rural communities deserve better. “Thankfully it appears the drought is easing for much of the state, but someone forgot to tell Labor that a few downpours won’t erase the hardship endured by farmers over the past seven years. Farmers are going to need help to get back on their feet, but instead of supporting them, Labor is happy to turn their backs and ignore the issue. “By his own admission, the new Agriculture Minister doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing; “I don’t think any number of visits will make me an expert on their business. They’ll always know their job better than I do,” Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke, Australian Financial Review, 6 February 2008. “How can rural and regional Australians expect him to stand up for them when he’s so clearly in the dark? Unfortunately though that’s what you get with an Ag Minister from Beverly Hills in Sydney.” Senator Nash said she was extremely disappointed the Growing Regions program – developed by the Coalition to inject $200 million into communities to help them cope with rapid growth – will be abolished. “The potential growth of many of our regions simply won’t be realised without the help the Growing Regions program was promising,” Senator Nash said. “The future of our local communities depends on their ability to harness growth and for Labor to put their hands in the air and say ‘you’re on your own’ is pathetic. Rural and regional communities be warned; these announcements from Labor are just the first of what will no doubt be a long list of programs Rudd snatches from the bush.” Media contact: Julie Siegert 0429 818 600

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