Shadow Minister for Agriculture Lachlan Hunter MLA has slammed the Cook Labor Government for ignoring its own independent review into the Grower Group Alliance (GGA) and DPIRD Collaboration.
Mr Hunter said the review, commissioned by the Labor Government, clearly recommended increased investment into the program, yet the Minister for Agriculture instead chose to axe the program entirely.
“This is an astonishing betrayal of WA agriculture,” Mr Hunter said.
“The Minister asked for independent advice, only to ignore it. Instead of backing the science and backing the sector, she made a political decision to cut a program that was delivering results for growers right across our State,” he said.
The report warned of ‘extreme’ risks if the program was defunded, including increased financial pressure on the GGA, reduced research and development capacity, and a loss of innovation and momentum in regional WA.
“Rather than strengthen a proven, respected model connecting grower groups with cutting-edge research, Labor has deliberately undermined it,” Mr Hunter said.
Mr Hunter said the Minister must front up and explain why she ignored her own review and turned her back on the agricultural sector.
“Why spend taxpayers’ money commissioning a review if you’re going to bin it? The Minister owes growers, taxpayers, and the industry a clear explanation.
Mr Hunter said the Minister’s decision to end the Collaboration would make it harder for WA to attract federal R&D funding.
“This report shows just how effective a well-supported alliance of grower groups has been in fighting for WA’s fair share of funding for agricultural research projects. This decision threatens to undermine that effort for the future, leaving all West Australians worse off,” he said.
The GGA–DPIRD Collaboration has long been respected for its ability to translate research into real outcomes for growers and communities across Western Australia.
Mr Hunter confirmed the Opposition will continue to pursue answers through the Parliament.
