The Prime Minister has been caught lying again in a Canberra media conference where he falsely claimed an Australian wine tourism and cellar door program has been ‘saved’ by defecting independent Senator Tammy Tyrrell.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Darren Chester said the $10 million program had actually been cut in the Federal Budget, despite the wine industry experiencing a high degree of stress in regional areas.
“To be fair to the Prime Minister, there’s too many cuts in the Federal Budget for him to remember them all,” Mr Chester said.
“He claimed Senator Tyrrell had saved the program when the Budget papers clearly indicated it will end and further jeopardise regional jobs in an industry which is under significant stress.
“Budgets are always about choices and this Prime Minister has chosen to turn his back on regional Australia with a budget full of broken promises and extra taxes.”
The Prime Minister told the press conference: “Tammy has successfully participated in the Senate and been a good faith negotiator, making a difference for Tasmania as an independent. Tammy helped to retain the Australian Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grants program.”
Mr Chester said the Australian Grape and Wine peak body had publicly expressed its frustrations with the funding cut to the program.
“At the worst possible time, this Government has chosen to withdraw a program that directly supports regional businesses,” CEO Lee McLean said.
“For many producers, this is essential to maintaining cashflow and profitability. Ending it now effectively pulls the rug out from under businesses already facing enormous pressure.
“This budget is a bitterly disappointing outcome for an industry under significant and sustained strain.”