The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has urged newly appointed Victorian Premier Ben Carroll to put agriculture back at the heart of the state’s economic agenda, issuing a sharp call for policy reform across energy, taxation and regional infrastructure.
Following the state leadership transition, VFF President Ryan Milgate highlighted the pressing issues confronting primary producers, framing the political shift as a vital opportunity to repair ties between spring-street lawmakers and regional communities.
“Leadership is tough and it’s critically important to listen to those who you are entrusted to lead,” Mr Milgate said.
“The agriculture industry and regional Victoria are crying out for leadership that delivers for agriculture, farmers, and regional Victoria.”
Mr Milgate pointed to ongoing friction over rural infrastructure and rising input expenses, specifically citing concerns over the state’s transmission line rollouts, fire services funding structures, and deteriorating regional road networks.
“Regional Victoria and our farmers are facing major challenges, from the flawed renewable energy rollout, a fire services tax that is unfair to our farmers, rising costs and crumbling roads that are increasing pressure on regional communities,” Mr Milgate said.
“Ben Carroll has an opportunity to reset the relationship with agriculture and put the sector back at the centre of the state’s economic future.”
With the state election approaching in late 2026, the peak farming body warned that regional voters will be looking closely at policy commitments from across the political spectrum.
“With just four months until the Victorian election, we expect all sides of politics to put forward a credible plan that gets Victorian agriculture moving again and gives farmers and regional communities the confidence they deserve,” Mr Milgate said.
“Agriculture and regional communities drive the Victorian economy. We need leadership that recognises this and helps enable us to do what we do best.”
