Advice from the lobbyist of last resort* – the wine industry wastes its time hoping it can influence politicians who know there’s not a vote for them in providing assistance to an industry in crisis.
Australian Grape and Wine, claiming to represent growers and makers, learned that on federal budget night last week. There was not even a nod towards the AGW plea for $85 million of taxpayer’s money. Just silence.
And the belated effort of Australia’s First Families of Australian Wine (see Crocodile tears from “Australia’s first families of wine”) to put their hands out for help has brought forth laughter and derision.
The stark truth is that in no electorate does any Labor member have anything to fear from wine industry protests. Seats with significant wine making and grape growing are all held safely by National and Liberal members. The scope for political leverage is virtually non-existent.
The one hope for the wine lobbyists is helping independents defeat Nationals and Liberals in the string of seats covering the Murray Basin and then hoping for a hung parliament. Then there is a chance for political blackmail to work.
It’s a small chance of getting relief for all those now exiting grape growing as they face bankruptcy but a small chance is better than no chance.
*Richard Farmer was once described by a federal Health Minister as “the lobbyist of last resort” for taking on one impossible lobbying task.
SEE ALSO Wine’s tough times and The Australian wine peasants’ revolt
