NWC Abolition Bill passed by Senate
The passing of the National Water Commission (Abolition) Bill through Parliament has been welcomed by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF). The Bill, passed by the Senate yesterday, will transfer key responsibilities of the National Water Commission (NWC) to the Productivity Commission. Chair of the NFF Water Taskforce Les Gordon said he was pleased the Government […]
Biosecurity Bill Passes Senate
The largest reform to Australia’s biosecurity system in more than 100 years passed through the Senate today – an outcome strongly supported by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF). The legislation, the Biosecurity Bill 2014, will strengthen control measures to better manage biosecurity risks, and enhance Australia’s biosecurity system. It is supported by four other bills, […]
Budget lays groundwork for Ag White Paper
National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President, Brent Finlay, said tonight’s Federal Budget has farmers all over Australia eagerly anticipating the release of the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper. The Budget delivers modest gains for the farm sector through specific initiatives that will assist cash flow on farm; lower business taxes; boost bilateral trade agreement outcomes and recognise […]
Further support for drought-affected communities
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement in Longreach today of an additional $83 million of new funding to assist communities impacted by the ongoing drought in QLD and NSW. NFF President Brent Finlay said the announcement comes at a critical time for drought-stricken communities in crisis, and follows approaches by […]
Budget needs to chart course for agricultural growth
The 2015-16 Federal Budget comes at a pivotal time for agriculture, as the industry looks to capture opportunities in booming export markets, while at the same time large areas of Australia continue to face prolonged drought. National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President, Brent Finlay, said the budget would need to walk the line between short term […]
Farmers welcome injection of R&D funds
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) notes the arrival of a key milestone today with the approval of the first tranche of projects under the Federal Government’s $100 million Rural Research and Development (R&D) for Profit Programme. NFF President Brent Finlay said the $26.7 million announced by the Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce MP in Armidale […]
Review to focus on regional telecommunications
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the commencement of the 2015 Regional Telecommunications Review, announced today by the Minister for Communications, the Hon. Malcom Turnbull MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Communications, Paul Fletcher MP. NFF President Brent Finlay said the review is an important opportunity for rural and regional communities to have their say […]
Farmers: more needs to be done to protect workers
The Australian agriculture sector is united in its commitment to the safety and fair treatment of workers. Last night’s ABC Four Corners story highlights the need to do more to rid the agriculture sector of rogue operators who wilfully ignore Australian laws and take advantage of vulnerable migrant workers. Brent Finlay, President of the National […]
Farm innovation a key focus for Coles Nurture Fund
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed a decision by Coles to allocate $50 million over five years in grants and interest-free loans to farmers who are keen to improve on-farm efficiency and develop new products. The Coles Nurture Fund, announced today in Werribee, Victoria, will be open to small and medium sized farm businesses, […]
Farmers urge Government to aim high in TPP talks
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) today urged the Australian Government to seek ambitious outcomes from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement negotiations, scheduled to take place in the United States this week. NFF President Brent Finlay said agriculture needs to be at the heart of any TPP agreement and is one of the sectors that can […]