The strike by State vets is already doing irreparable harm to our vulnerable chilled meat markets and is set to do even
more, ACT Rural Affairs Spokesman Owen Jennings said.
“Modern food marketing is very susceptible to being able to guarantee consistent and regular supply. Our chilled market
can easily be supplied by our competitors who do not have the handicap of stupid industrial laws. The uncertainty is
already creating problems for our marketers anxious to maintain our reputation as a reliable supplier.
“Farmers are watching helplessly as they see any small advantage of higher prices for their stock disappearing through
the thoughtless actions of the Government vets.
“The dry weather in many areas is forcing farmers to drop stock earlier than anticipated and the strike is putting real
fear into their minds. This strike is a portent of the year ahead in industrial law under the badly conceived Employment
Relations Act,” Mr Jennings said.
ENDS