WIMMERA leaders have welcomed free kinder for drought-affected families but believe more targeted measures are needed.
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The state government confirmed last week kindergarten would be free to children in the year before school in 10 drought-affected areas of Victoria.
It came after pressure from the opposition in question time about whether the measure would be means tested.
Free kinder was part of the government’s $27-million drought package announced in November.
Municipalities to benefit include Horsham Rural City, Hindmarsh, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack and Buloke.
Victorian Farmers Federation vice-president and Murra Warra farmer David Jochinke said free kinder was fantastic for Wimmera families.
“It is not just farmers experiencing drought – it’s the whole community,” he said.
“It’s a great thing for the area and everyone who has been touched by drought, but I don’t think being able to send your child to kinder will make a difference to how your farm or business will operate.
“It does make things easier and makes the need for families to find the money to send children to kinder a bit more palatable, but it won’t address the key issues of drought or drought recovery.”
Mr Jochinke said he wanted the government to consider more targeted measures for drought relief.
“One of the key things that occurred in 2006 or 2007 was the subsidy of shire rates, a cost all farmers have to pay,” he said.
“It's a big bill and it comes at this time of year. When you've had a poor harvest, you have to stump up regardless of your situation.
“I think there’s an avenue for the state government to give people a rebate for their rates.
“There would need to be criteria met to ensure the people most in need got access.”
Member for Lowan Emma Kealy agreed rate subsidies were needed.
“We've been calling for the government to consider rates relief for water and council rates,” she said.
“We know we’ve had some rain recently, but with the way farming operates we need to make sure we have consistent support for income,” she said.
“Free kinder is a good step, but we must consider other people who might need support at this time.”
Free kinder is a good step, but we must consider other people who might need support at this time.
- Emma Kealy
Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said the kindergarten subsidies were in the drought package as a direct consequence of community consultation.
“Communities told us young families needed support and we listened,” she said.
“Drought affects everyone – it affects farmers, it affects whole communities.
“That's why free kindergarten is being provided to all families that live within the 10 shires most significantly affected by drought.
“We have been and will continue to work with farmers and rural communities to understand their needs.
“Whether it be kindergarten support, stock containment, employment programs or community facilities, these are all options the government will look at when considering the $10-million community fund we announced in November.”
