The strike by State vets is already doing irreparable harm to our vulnerable chilled meat markets and is set to do even more, ACT Rural Affairs Spokesman Owen Jennings said.

“Modern food marketing is very susceptible to being able to guarantee consistent and regular supply. Our chilled market can easily be supplied by our competitors who do not have the handicap of stupid industrial laws. The uncertainty is already creating problems for our marketers anxious to maintain our reputation as a reliable supplier.

“Farmers are watching helplessly as they see any small advantage of higher prices for their stock disappearing through the thoughtless actions of the Government vets.

“The dry weather in many areas is forcing farmers to drop stock earlier than anticipated and the strike is putting real fear into their minds. This strike is a portent of the year ahead in industrial law under the badly conceived Employment Relations Act,” Mr Jennings said.

ENDS

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