Farmers and families have been spared Labor’s Fresh Food Tax after the Senate crossbench resolved to block the Government’s biosecurity levy cash grab, Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster says.

“My Nationals colleagues and I have spent the past year campaigning with farmers against Labor’s Biosecurity Protection Levy, which would punish farmers for the risks imposed by their foreign competitors and drive up grocery prices at the checkout for families,” Dr Webster said.

“I am proud to have been part of that campaign and today we have seen the Senate crossbench see the light. Not only would this tax drive up the price of fresh food in Mallee, with farmers forced to pass on costs, it would also undermine the entire levy system, causing chaos and confusion across industry.”

Dr Webster said Agriculture Minister Murray Watt was out of touch and had failed to consult before introducing the levy last year.

“The Minister refused to listen to the concerns of the Opposition, Farmers and industry groups, and instead forged ahead – in what parallel universe would a Government tax its farmers to protect the country from their competitors?” Dr Webster said.

“Labor’s biosecurity tax train has now been ground to a halt, when instead the Minister could have listened to better alternatives put forward by The Nationals such as an importer container levy.”

Dr Webster said only The Nationals as part of a Coalition Government would truly support Australian farmers.

“The Nationals have been fighting for our farmers while Labor tries to shake them down for Government revenue,” Dr Webster said.

“Today’s news will be music to the ears of farmers but Labor still cannot be trusted to have the best interests of our farmers at heart.”