Eastern Victoria Region
Tom McINTOSH (Eastern Victoria) (12:55): (216) My question is for the Minister for Agriculture. This has been a really difficult year for all the hardworking people, businesses and communities in the Victorian native forestry industry. Workers have been stood down since November 2022 due to a court injunction. I know from visiting mills in Gippsland and talking with mill owners, managers and workers that supply constraints have been having a huge impact. This has been on the back of prolonged legal action and court decisions as well as the lasting impacts from bushfires. Minister, what is the Victorian government doing to ensure that local workers, businesses and communities have confidence in their future? The work to support workers and their communities has been taking place since 2019, but it is critically important now so that forestry workers and their families get the best support available when they need it. I am committed to continuing to work with Gippsland workers, businesses and communities for a strong future in this great region.