Media Release | 7 August 2025
Lachlan Hunter MLA
Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food
The Cook Labor Government has defunded one of Western Australia’s most successful agricultural collaborations, cutting vital support to the Grower Group Alliance (GGA) with no explanation, no transparency and no respect for regional communities.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food Lachlan Hunter said Labor’s decision to abandon the GGA–DPIRD Collaboration Agreement, just months after asking the Alliance to reapply and undertake an extensive review, was a slap in the face to the people driving innovation in WA agriculture.
“This is a cowardly and short-sighted decision that undermines years of work by some of our most productive and forward-thinking grower groups,” Mr Hunter said.
“Labor demanded a report, forced GGA to jump through bureaucratic hoops, and then pulled the pin at the last possible moment. It’s disgraceful.”
The GGA–DPIRD Collaboration has delivered an extraordinary 7:1 return to the state, unlocking more than $70 million in project funding – not to mention an additional $20 million in cash and in-kind contributions, well above its $5.25 million target. It’s a model of cost-effective regional investment, building local capacity, delivering research partnerships and bringing federal funding into WA.
Despite the proven value, Labor has refused to release the evaluation report or explain why the Collaboration was not extended—despite being renewed in previous years.
Mr Hunter said Labor’s decision was consistent with its broader pattern of anti-agriculture policies.
“First they shut down live sheep exports, now they’re cutting funding to the very innovators working on the future of our ag sector,” he said.
“GGA doesn’t just support grain growers—it works across livestock, horticulture, biosecurity, NRM and the rangelands. It supports the capacity of regional organisations, builds leadership and keeps federal funding flowing into WA.”
“Labor’s contempt for regional WA is staggering.”
Adding insult to injury, the Cook Government never delivered on its original staffing commitment under the Collaboration—failing to uphold its side of the agreement.
Mr Hunter has called on the Minister for Agriculture to immediately release the full evaluation report of the GGA–DPIRD Collaboration and reinstate funding to secure the future of agricultural innovation in Western Australia.
“This is a minimal investment with maximum return. Labor should be backing this, not binning it.”
ENDS
