There will be enough hands on deck to meet growing demand for high-quality Victorian produce following a successful campaign to increase workforce capacity at meat processors.
The industry, supported by the Liberal Nationals, had raised fears in recent weeks that workforce limits at Victorian abattoirs would hamper ability to meet rising consumer demand in spring peak season and at Christmas.
From today regional Victorian abattoirs will increase their workforce to 90 per cent, while Melbourne-based meat and seafood processors will be allowed to operate at up to 80 per cent.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh said the change was long overdue.
“Victorians have been forced to give up a lot this year – the Christmas ham is one treat we can now look forward to enjoying,” Mr Walsh said.
“It’s about time – industry has been clear that without an increase to workforce limits it will struggle to meet growing demand in spring peak season and in the lead up to Christmas.
“After months staying apart to protect vulnerable people in our community, we’re all looking forward to the possibility of a COVID normal Christmas.
“It’s taken a strong push from industry and the Liberal Nationals for the Andrews Labor Government to finally listen, but it’s little comfort to the thousands of Victorians who have spent many more weeks out of work.
“It’s unnecessary delays like this that have led Victorians to lose confidence in Daniel Andrews and his Labor Government.”
