Nationals leader Matt Canavan says cheaper energy, more water and stricter food standards are needed to protect regional production.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Nationals leader Matt Canavan has called for more support for Echuca’s agricultural producers and manufacturers, saying the industry will face more pain if those in the regions continue to be ignored.
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In a visit to Echuca alongside Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell and Victorian Nationals candidate for Murray Plains Brett Hosking, Senator Canavan vowed to cut net-zero, use all the country’s energy resources again and end water buybacks.
“We need to change our country,” Senator Canavan said.
“We need to change the government here in Victoria and federally, and we’ve got a significant plan to fix things.”
Matthew Canavan, Brett Hosking and Sam Birrell during their visit to Kagome.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“Quality standards on imports aren’t a matter for free trade agreements, they’re a non-negotiable,” Senator Canavan said.
“If there is evidence that there are chemicals above allowable limits in imported goods ... I would expect the Australian Government to follow up on these things and to come down like a tonne of bricks if anyone’s doing the wrong thing.”
In response to the rise of One Nation in the region, Senator Canavan, Mr Birrell and Mr Hosking all acknowledged the anger people were feeling.
“I’m hearing that frustration that people feel ignored,” Mr Hosking said.
“They feel like their government isn’t listening to them.
“What excites me at the moment is that as a Coalition, as the National Party, we have a plan to make sure that people in rural areas have their voices heard, (are) listened to, (are) appreciated, and they’re valued.”
The Victorian election will be held on Saturday, November 28.
