Backing the health of Victorian farmers

THE Liberal Nationals opposition has announced it will back the health of farmers with a $4 million investment over four years in the National Centre for Farmer Health if they win the next election.

Shadow Minister for Health Mary Wooldridge said that when our farmers are productive and prosperous, all Victorians benefit.

“Rural Victorians have higher rates of mortality, disability and chronic disease than people in metropolitan areas,” she said.

“An elected Liberal Nationals Government will back the health of our farmers and our rural communities with a four year investment in the National Centre for Farmer Health.”

The National Centre for Farmer Health, based in Hamilton, works to promote the health, safety and wellbeing of farmers, farm workers, their families and communities across Victoria and Australia.

The Centre is also responsive in times of particular need, with their Managing Stress on the Farm publication now having been distributed to over 18,000 agricultural communities.

In addition to supporting the health of farmers, the Liberal Nationals also announced that they would establish a dedicated rural crime unit to help protect our farmers’ property and livestock if elected.