General News
18 June, 2026
A thorn in the side of farmers
VICTORIAN farmers are being hit from all sides, yet a simple, practical issue like weed control continues to be ignored by the Allan Labor Government, according to one south west MP.
The Nationals Member for Lowan and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Emma Kealy has hit out at the State Government following concerns invasive weeds such as gorse were spreading unchecked across regional Victoria.
Ms Kealy said the spread of weeds was placing further pressure on landholders who are already grappling with soaring diesel costs, fertiliser shortages, and rising farm crime.
“Farmers are doing everything they can to keep their businesses afloat, but they are being let down by a government that refuses to take responsibility for even the most basic land management issues,” she said.
“Recent Parliamentary hearings further highlighted Labor’s attitude towards these issues, with figures tabled showing the government is spending 50 per cent less on biosecurity than two years ago.
“Gorse is a well-known invasive weed.
“It can be controlled with co-ordinated action, yet what we are seeing is a complete lack of leadership and accountability.”
Ms Kealy said the State Government’s “hands-off” approach was leaving farmers to carry the burden alone, with serious consequences for lost productivity, biodiversity, and fire risk.
She said she had spoken to a local landholder, Karen Buric, who had repeatedly raised concerns about gorse spreading from neighbouring land, which was affecting her property by harbouring pests and posing a fire risk.
She said the inaction from the Department of Agriculture was frustrating.
“As a landowner, it is unacceptable that the Department of Agriculture continues to ignore my complaint,” Ms Buric said.
“How is it possible that the government will not enforce the clean-up of gorse when it poses such a risk to the environment?”
Ms Kealy said the situation highlighted a broader failure of fairness and consistency.
“Farmers are being threatened with fines over minor compliance issues, while government agencies turn a blind eye to serious weeds that pose a real risk to farm viability,” she said.
“At a time when farmers are already under pressure from rising input costs and increasing crime, it is unacceptable that they are being left to deal with preventable problems like gorse.
“The government must step up and take coordinated action on weed control across Victoria.”