BURKE & BANDT ON A RANT TO WIPE OUT CATTLE GRAZING

28-February-2011

The Federal Labor Government has joined forces with The Greens in an attempt to bully the Victorian Government to overturn alpine cattle grazing legislation.

Greens Member, Adam Bandt, introduced a Private Members Bill that seeks to ban cattle grazing in Victoria’s high country. It follows statements from Environment Minister, Tony Burke, last week when he compared alpine cattle grazing to Japanese whaling.

Sophie Mirabella MP, Federal Member for Indi has slammed the move as a desperate attempt to revert to the failed policies of the Brumby Government.

“Tony Burke and Adam Bandt cannot accept that The Coalition won the Victorian election and is acting on an election promise,” said Mrs Mirabella.

“Victorians knew the Coalition would re-introduce cattle grazing in the high country, and they voted for it last November. It’s time that Labor and The Greens come to terms with the fact that they lost the Victorian election.”

Mrs Mirabella questioned Tony Burke and Adam Bandt’s credentials when it comes to the needs of country Victoria.

“Greens MP Adam Bandt represents inner city Melbourne and Labor MP Tony Burke represents inner city Sydney. They are in no position to dictate what is right for country Victorians.

“Locals have been crying out for sensible management of the high country for years and their pleas have finally been answered. Rather than spending his time trying to appease The Greens, Mr Burke should be focusing on his botched Murray Darling Basin Plan. He has already created enough problems for locals in the North East,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.