Mr PALLAS (Treasurer) — I rise to update the house about a new initiative of the Andrews Labor government to support Victoria’s dairy farmers. Amendments will now be made to the criteria for the Back to Work scheme to make members of a dairy farm household an eligible category of employee. The Back to Work scheme is an important part of the Andrews Labor government’s plan to promote jobs and growth in Victoria. As at the end of March, over 4000 people across Victoria were beneficiaries of the scheme, and all indications are that we will wrap up the scheme by the end of the year, about six months ahead of schedule.

The flow‑on impact of having meaningful employment cannot be underestimated to a person’s family, their self‑esteem and the contribution they can make to their communities. That is why we will amend the scheme to support drought‑affected farm households, and that same support will now be extended to dairy farmers.

Employers will receive up to $5000 when they hire someone from a farm household affected by the dairy crisis. Victoria’s dairy industry is a source of considerable pride. Our dairy farmers account for 85 per cent of Australia’s dairy product exports and approximately 5 per cent of global dairy trade. That is why our support is so crucial. When combined with an $11.4 million package announced earlier this week, this means we are ensuring that dairy farmers have access to the needed support, be it financial counselling or on‑farm business support, to make sure that they get the support and assistance they need to make the right decisions for their family and farm. An Andrews Labor government will always stand behind our rural communities, and it will not let any farmer or community member go it alone.