Minister for Regional Development and Agriculture in the Victorian State Government Jaclyn Symes addressed Committee for Greater Shepparton members dinner at the Woolshed @ Emerald Bank. Earlier in the day Minister Symes visited Gouge Linen and Garment Services in Mooroopna, Velisha Farms in Ardmona and MOVE (Shepparton Motor Museum). She acknowledged in her speech that her government was committed to the principle that wherever you live in Victoria you should have access to a decent job and a fair wage. She highlighted the Government’s commitment to further reducing regional payroll tax stating that business in Shepparton will soon pay only 1.2%, a quarter of the metropolitan rate. She mentioned Goulburn Valley agriculture talking of the need to increase resilience in the dairy industry but also to encourage new industries to the regions such as medicinal cannabis. The minister spent some time after dinner discussing specific issues with our members and stated as she was leaving that she really enjoyed speaking to a group of people as positive as the committee’s members.
Written by Sam Birrell
