It was wonderful to once again join thousands of locals and visitors at this year’s Sheepvention.
One of the highlights was the return of the popular fashion parade on Saturday evening. Showcasing the versatility, innovation and enduring appeal of Australian wool, it was a celebration of one of Western Victoria’s most important industries and a fitting way to open another outstanding Sheepvention.
Sunday’s sunshine brought the crowds out in force, with the showgrounds buzzing as people explored the exhibits, caught up with friends and enjoyed everything Sheepvention has to offer. On Monday, I was pleased to again present prizes at the Sheep Show, which showcased the impressive quality of our local producers and the pride they take in their work.
I also enjoyed hearing award-winning journalist Chris Uhlmann deliver this year’s Peter Schroder Lecture. His comments about the resilience of country Australians and the growing disconnect
between regional communities and our major cities struck a chord with many in the audience.
While those of us who live and work in regional Australia know the strength of our communities and the contribution they make to our nation, it is vital that decision-makers in Canberra also understand the realities of regional life and ensure policies properly reflect the needs of regional Australians.
Over the course of Sheepvention, I spoke with many farmers, contractors, exhibitors and local businesses. While there was plenty of optimism about the season, with good rainfall and livestock prices remaining relatively strong, there was also a common concern raised in almost every conversation.
The overwhelming message was that rising input costs continue to place enormous pressure on farming businesses. Whether it is the cost of energy, fertiliser, fuel, insurance or the growing tax burden, farmers and the businesses that support them are telling me it is becoming increasingly difficult to absorb the increases.
These are the same concerns I heard during my street walks and in conversations with small business owners across Western Victoria in recent weeks. People are prepared to work hard and invest in their businesses, but they need a government that understands the pressures they face.
These conversations matter because regional Australia helps drive our national economy. When our farmers and small businesses succeed, our communities prosper, more local jobs are created and investment follows. They deserve practical policies that reward hard work and enterprise not policies that make it harder to do business.
To help shape these policies, over the coming weeks I will be hosting small business roundtables across Western Victoria with Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, Shadow Minister for Small Business.
If you own a small business, I encourage you to complete my small business survey at http://lbr.al/jnx8 and register your interest in attending a roundtable at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/smallbusinessroundtable.
The ideas shared at Sheepvention reinforced what I’ve been hearing across Western Victoria. Regional Australians don’t want special treatment; they simply want a government that understands the realities they face and creates the conditions for them to succeed. I will continue taking that message to Canberra.
ENDS
Contact: Sandie Gustus M | 0408 564 232 E | sandie.gustus@aph.gov.au
Published in the Hamilton Spectator