Stop shuffling around bureaucrats and provide real drought support

“It’s disappointing that the Government has decided to shuffle public service positions, and spend more money creating new offices within offices instead of providing real drought support,” said Member for Barwon Roy Butler.

Mr Butler’s comments follow the sacking of Jock Laurie, the government’s drought coordinator, to make way for the new Office of Drought Response.

“The drought coordinator’s position was set up to listen to farmers and communicate their views to government – to make sure their concerns surrounding drought had been heard.

“What information has been provided? Has Mr Laurie delivered the messages from farmers?

“I’m calling on the government to release any reports Mr Laurie has produced. The public has the right to know what the government has been told,” said Mr Butler.

The Member for Barwon’s comments follow months of petitioning for increased drought support.

“It’s time the Government started listening to people, I’m certainly hearing that they’re sick of the bureaucracy, and they’re crying out for real drought support.

“They don’t need more hoops to go through, or more government agencies making the process even harder.

“Families, small business, individuals and farmers, right now need cash. Cash to put food on the table and to pay their bills.”

The Deputy Premier’s office has said the new Office of Drought Response will enable increased support for regional communities.

“To the Government I say my communities – our communities – can’t keep waiting,” said Mr Butler.

“It’s time to stop announcing side projects and new agencies. Now is the time for real drought support in the form of cash.”