Griffith growers say the discovery the NSW Government “ripped-off” farmers by over $30 million for 20 years according to secret internal Government documents is a hard blow for farmers struggling to “keep their head above water.”
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Tabled in Parliament on Thursday by Shooters Fishers and Farmers (SSF) Party Member for Orange Philip Donato, the internal Roads and Maritime Services document marked “sensitive NSW Government” and “privileged and confidential” reveals almost 7000 farmers have been overcharged since 1998, by up to $730 per vehicle every year.
Griffith farmer Chris Morshead said the revelation was a “hard pill to swallow” given farmer’s current struggle with drought in NSW.
“If we are being overcharged for something we certainly want to have that addressed sooner rather than later,” Mr Morshead said.
“Our margins are skinny enough without paying things we don’t have to.”
MIA grower John Bonetti recognised the benefits of getting the money back, however says there needs to be more focus on the bigger picture – which includes drought relief and support for irrigators in real time.
“To keep the water up in the biggest drought we’ve seen in a long long time, help with that would be more beneficial to growers than a few dollars returned on registration,” Mr Bonetti said.
“During difficult periods like this, any assistance whatsoever from government is always welcomed and appreciated, but the amount of money we are paying for water - to keep our head above water - is pretty bloody tough out here let me tell you.”
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MIA farmer and water advocate and SFF spokeswoman for the Murray electorate and Helen Dalton demanded all farmers overcharged be issued with an immediate refund.
“It’s disgusting. While farmers go broke, the NSW Government are sticking their hands into their pockets and taking the little they have left,” Mrs Dalton said.
“We already pay so many taxes. Land tax. Income tax. Payroll tax. Stamp duty. And now we find out the Government are taking our money against the law.”
Mr Donato said “the National Party claim to represent farmers, yet they’ve been knowingly ripping-off farmers by an average of $730 for every heavy vehicle they own.”
“I encourage all affected farmers to contact their local Roads and Maritime Services office to inquire about getting their refund,” Mr Donato said.
