The plight of Victorian growers and the regional processed fruit industry has been raised in Canberra, courtesy of a Notice of Motion by Victorian Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie, who said the Gillard Labor Government was ignoring the problem.
The regional Victoria-based senator has issued a comprehensive list of demands including that the Federal Parliament support fruit growers and the local processing industry and finally recognises the growing challenges they face. “The Gillard Government piles never-ending new regulations and taxes on our regional economy without a thought for the dire consequences of their actions,” Senator McKenzie declared. “I am demanding that Treasurer Wayne Swan undertakes an urgent and proper investigation into the impact of imported canned produce.”
“I also demand an immediate and comprehensive anti-dumping investigation with respect to the request from SPC Ardmona and the canned food industry.” Senator McKenzie also threw her full support behind the “Toss a Tin in Your Trolley” campaign, urging shoppers to buy more local canned produce. “Tinned fruit is good for your taste buds, it is great for your health and it is absolutely vital for our local economy,” she said. “The horticultural industry is has long been at the heart of regional Australian economy and remains absolutely critical to our future,” Senator McKenzie concluded.