Tasmania's Liberal representatives have been accused of turning their backs on farmers, with questions over a $100 million election commitment up in the air.
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Labor member for Franklin Julie Collins and candidate for Bass Ross Hart say new evidence reveals the members for Bass and Braddon failed to contact the federal Agriculture Minister regarding a request from the state government for Tasmanian irrigation projects.
It comes after answers to questions lodged during budget estimates in the Senate in May showed "no record" of David Littleproud receiving proposals from Tasmania, despite a state government commitment to seek up to $100 million in additional funding for irrigation projects.
Ms Collins said the Senate answers showed in black and white that Northern Tasmania's Liberal representatives weren't doing their jobs, including taking action on workforce shortages.
"We need to see the detail," she said.
"Where is the detail of what the $100 million is going to be spent on. Why has the state and federal liberals not done their job and provided the detail to the federal government?"
However, Bass Liberal MHR Bridget Archer said she was in regular contact with federal ministers about water infrastructure in Tasmania - "including the Infrastructure Minister, who is in fact responsible for this area".
"This includes hosting two visits to the Scottsdale scheme, which is now operating to the benefit of North-East farmers and the wider community," she said.
"Tasmania leads the nation when it comes to irrigation and water infrastructure and with a direct knowledge of farming I am proud to continue listening and advocating, including recent meetings with Tas Irrigation and TFGA members about the importance of water security."
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