It has been a full week since the NSW Nationals called on the Minns Labor Government to act on the fertiliser crisis threatening the state’s food chain, and Minister Tara Moriarty has said nothing, done nothing, and offered nothing.
A week of silence is a week of lost planning time for grain growers, orchardists and vignerons who need certainty now – not after the damage is done.
NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said every day the Minister stays in hiding, the problem gets worse.
“Supplies are tightening, prices climbing, and farmers are being forced to make cut-back decisions that will flow through to yields, livestock feed, and grocery prices,” Mr Singh said.
“The Minister has had seven days to pick up the phone to suppliers, seven days to convene industry, seven days to coordinate with her federal counterparts, and seven days to front the farmers she is paid to represent. She has done none of it.”
Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Moylan, again urged Minister Moriarty to treat food security with the same seriousness as fuel and energy security.
“Farmers are not asking for a handout. They are asking for a government that shows up,” Mr Moylan said.
“The questions I put to the Minister a week ago remain unanswered – What is the strategy? What supply agreements are being pursued? What support is available for growers who can’t source product?”
