The Victorian Farmers Federation has welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement of an expanded drought assistance package and the 12-month pause on emergency services levy increases for primary producers.

VFF president Brett Hosking said it represents a step in the right direction as Victoria endures crippling drought conditions across the state.

“Farmers are doing it tough and some are facing the worst drought conditions in living memory,” he said.

“This announcement offers a glimmer of hope and is recognition that the pressure we’ve applied is being heard. It’s a step in the right direction, but plenty more remains to be done.

“You can’t begin to understand the impact of this drought until you actually visit these areas in person.

“I thank Premier Jacinta Allan, Treasurer Jacyln Symes and Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence for coming out to see what we’re facing and this extra support.”

Mr Hosking said the 12-month pause to the controversial emergency services levy is welcome and allows more time to talk with the government.

“Pausing the ESL increases for 12 months is the right call, but it doesn’t change the underlying problem: this levy is an unfair cost shift onto farmers.

“We’ll use this extra time to continue making the case that it needs to be scrapped altogether, not simply paused.”

The VFF is continuing to call for the Victorian Government to commit to a long-term, transparent, and genuinely collaborative approach to drought and regional resilience.

Mr Hosking said farmers and their communities had repeatedly raised concerns, but too often these warnings have been ignored until pressure becomes political.

“This latest package is welcome, but will only make a difference if the support actually reaches those who need it most.

“The government needs to start listening earlier, not months down the track when frustration boils over.”

He stressed that drought recovery is a long-term process and requires sustained investment beyond seasonal headlines.

“Even if we get rain tomorrow, the financial and emotional scars of drought last for years. We need enduring support, not one-off fixes.

The VFF will continue advocating through the newly formed Drought Response Taskforce and will keep pushing for practical, farmer-informed solutions that reflect the reality on the ground.

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Tuesday, 14th October 2025

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