Wednesday, 31 October 2007

Sykes seeks more horse flu help from Helper

Bill Sykes, Nationals Member for Benalla, last night asked the Minister for Agriculture, Joe Helper in Parliament for an extension of the ‘cut off’ date for show societies and horse event organisers to claim financial assistance for costs and lost profits caused by the cancellation of horse events due to Equine Influenza.

Dr Sykes said, “The recently announced grants for show societies and horse event organisers applies only to shows/events scheduled between 1 September and 31 October 2007.

“This will be very helpful to shows held in October such as Benalla, Euroa, Myrtleford, Shepparton and Wangaratta but shows such as Mansfield and Alexandra which are held in November, miss out.

“This is grossly unfair to Mansfield & Alexandra Show Societies as well as other horse events which were scheduled over the next few weeks/months but which have been cancelled due to Equine Influenza.”

Dr Sykes continued, “The Minister for Agriculture is sympathetic to my request and he has advised me that he will consider it.

“The Minister rightly makes the point that there does have to be a ‘cut off’ day. I suggest that the assistance continues to be available whilst horse events continue to be cancelled due to Equine Influenza. Certainly a ‘cut off’ in the middle of the agricultural show season is illogical and inequitable.”

Dr Sykes concluded, “Fortunately Victoria continues to remain free of Equine Influenza however the economic and emotional consequences have impacted on a wide number of people, businesses and communities. I will continue to lobby for equitable assistance for all people affected by the outbreak of Equine Influenza.”

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989

Attached (PDF format)

Adjournment debate question by Dr Sykes

Minister Helper’s response