The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s decision to cut the School to Industry Partnership Program (SIPP) undermines the future of agriculture in Queensland, LNP Leader Deb Frecklington warned today.
When pressed by the LNP in Parliament today, Agriculture Minister Mark Furner confirmed the program would no longer be funded by Labor.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk’s decision to cut funding to ag education shows just how out of touch her government is,” Ms Frecklington said.
“This is a hands-on education program that showcases where food comes from and highlights agricultural job opportunities to school students.
“We need to be encouraging our kids to explore careers in agriculture to ensure the industry has a strong future.
“We also need to be encouraging people to buy our produce and education is a key stepping stone.
“This successful program has been running for 14 years and is vital for farmers and Queensland kids.
“More than 10,000 Queensland school students a year benefit from the program.”
LNP Shadow Agriculture Minister Tony Perrett said the SIPP cut continued Labor’s anti-farmer agenda and followed the introduction of the devastating vegetation management laws, cuts to biosecurity staff and the failure to deliver a proper cattle tick line review.
“Agriculture in Queensland won’t survive if it keeps getting kicked in the guts by Labor,” Mr Perrett said.
“Why do we keep seeing these attacks on agriculture and farmers?
“I call on Annastacia Palaszczuk to restore the funding to the agriculture education program.
“It’s clear that only a Deb Frecklington LNP Government in 2020 will deliver the jobs and support agriculture in Queensland needs.”
