THE NATIONALS FIGHT IN THE SENATE AGAINST LABOR’S FRESH FOOD TAX

The cost of living will surge, and groceries will become even more expensive as a result of Labor’s fresh food tax, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien warned today.

Mr O’Brien said that a Senate committee meeting today is conducting an investigation into the biosecurity protection levy which will force farmers to pay for the biosecurity risks of international importers from July 1, 2024.

“This fresh food tax is an attack on families that will hike their grocery bills, and on the more than 1300 farm and agri-businesses in Wide Bay,” Mr O’Brien said.

“That Australian producers should pay for the biosecurity costs of their international competitors is ludicrous, and it will inflict further financial pain on Wide Bay families and on our farmers at a time when they are already struggling.

“Farmers will have no choice but to pass on the tax, and we will all be paying more at the checkout. It’s unbelievable that a government would make its own farmers pay for the risks their competitors are creating.”

“The outcomes of the Senate inquiry are crucial because this ridiculous tax will impact every single person in Wide Bay,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The Nationals will keep fighting against this stupid shortsighted attack on families and farmers, particularly when it will drive food prices up.”

Mr O’Brien said that families and farmers should be angry with the Albanese Labor Government for introducing the fresh food tax and pushing it through the House of Representatives.

“It’s clear that the greatest threat to Australian agriculture is the Australian Labor Party.”