Shadow Food and Agriculture Minister Colin de Grussa said Federal and WA Labor’s plan to bring forward the phase out of battery cage eggs within the next decade could result in more pressure on West Australian’s hip pockets.
Mr de Grussa said Labor’s decision to bring the phase out of the industry forward by four years from 2036, to 2032 was a blow to the industry and consumers.
“In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, Labor are again putting unnecessary pressure on everyday households through reckless and ideological decision making,” Mr de Grussa said.
“Voters opened the door to Labor in good-faith, based on promises of consultation and conscientious
Government, since then, industry after industry has been cut down by a party determined to decimate
our regions.
“This decision will lead to added market pressure and a poorly-timed increased cost of nutrition, which will leave West Australians to making tough decisions when it comes to feeding their families.”
Mr de Grussa called on Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis to support West Australian egg farmers and not bend to the whims of her Federal counterpart.
“The plan to end caged egg production in less than a decade is a huge challenge for WA egg producers who are already dealing with critical workforce shortages and rising input costs,” Mr de Grussa said.
“WA Labor need to be clear about how it proposes to transition to the new industry standards, and how it will ensure they are implemented in a way that will not decimate the WA industry.
“WA egg producers are experts in animal welfare and the Government should listen to industry in order to ensure the best outcomes for the future of the industry.”
“Labor is out of touch with the agriculture industry and it is difficult for producers to plan ahead and ensure the viability of the business if WA Labor is not transparent with them about the future of their industry.”
The Leader of the Opposition, Shane Love, will be writing to the WA Labor Agriculture Minister to demand she work in good faith with the industry to manage a transition that reflects the unique
circumstances of the WA industry and the need to ensure the future viability of producers and continuity of supply.
