The State Government says it’ll commit another $4million, over the next four years, to Hamilton’s National Centre for Farmer Health, if it’s re-elected in November.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Premier Daniel Andrews made the announcement at the Victorian Farmers Federation’s Ballarat conference.
“We think that better outcomes for farming communities, dealing with issues of depression and suicide, you have got to use the best skills,” Mr Andrews said.
“We have the best model.
“The National Centre for Farmer Health is award-winning, it runs compelling programs and does great research.”
The funding was matched by the State opposition.
Opposition Health spokeswoman Mary Wooldridge said the coalition would also commit $4 million to backing the health of farmers and rural communities, if elected.
“When our farmers are productive and prosperous, all Victorians benefit,” Ms Wooldridge said.
Mr Andrews said the Centre was a national leader in health, wellbeing and safety, providing health assessments – including cholesterol, blood pressure and eyesight testing – to Victoria’s most isolated communities.
“We know that farmers are less likely to visit their GP, and as a result are more likely to face complications with injury and illness,” Mr Andrews said.
“Farmers also continue to suffer from depression and anxiety at higher rates, with suicide a heartbreaking and all too common occurrence in many rural communities.”
Funding from a re-elected Labor Government would allow the Centre to continue this work, including its research, occupational health and safety, and training for health and agricultural professionals.
“When you have got something you know works, and you are facing such tragic challenges, you need to invest in that,” Mr Andrews said.
Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford described the centre as “an absolute treasure.
“It was down to the barest of bones, by the time we came into government in 2014.”
The staff had dropped from 15 to two and a half but the current government reinvested $4 million in the centre, in its first budget.
“This is an organisation that undertakes cutting-edge research, but also very, very practical on-farm, and in farm, practical health tests,” Ms Pulford said.
She said the NCFH went to wherever farmers were.
“The work they do is absolutely invaluable and we know it saves lives.
“We know they have met people, taken their blood pressure readings and sent them straight to the hospital.”
The research the Centre undertook was critically important in understanding particular risks existing for farming communities.
“The well being and capability of the farm sectors workforce is absolutely paramount,” Ms Pulford said.
