FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 04/04/2025

Independent candidate for Groom, Suzie Holt, stands in solidarity with the National Farmers Federation in expressing profound disappointment that the US has imposed a 10% tariff on all Australian exports.

“This announcement, together with the current devastation of livestock in Western Queensland is hitting our farmers hard. However, our response cannot be to loosen our science-based biosecurity measures. It’s not worth the risk of jeopardising one of main competitive advantages of being clean of most diseases that could devastate our herds,” Ms Holt said.

She has welcomed the Government’s $50m commitment to help affected sectors diversify but emphasises that further support is needed.

“It’s fantastic to see the Government supporting the sector’s business needs, but we can’t forget that economic shocks come with health consequences for the whole family. It’s well past time to invest in mental health services. These farmers will have seen their stock perish in terrible circumstances as well as having to face returning to their flooded homes. The townspeople, including small business owners, will also be faced with rebuilding their lives. This will undoubtedly have a long-term effect on them.

The regions are already under-serviced in terms of mental health support so we need to bolster this. Regional Australians are resilient, but they still deserve to be able to access the support that available to people in the cities.”