Statement on paraquat decision
The National Farmers’ Federation acknowledges the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s (APVMA) final decision following its review of paraquat and diquat. The decision will mean products remain approved for use, but with lower application rates and more controls. The NFF will now take the time to carefully consider the detail of the decision and […]
Farmers unable to access mental health care amid mounting pressure, new data shows
Just one in seven farmers can easily access mental health support, new data presented at this morning’s NFF-Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) Parliamentary Breakfast reveals — even as psychological distress and exposure to natural disasters climb sharply across the sector. The figures, drawn from the University of Canberra’s Regional Wellbeing Survey and presented by Professor Jacki […]
Vigilance critical following H5 bird flu detection
The National Farmers’ Federation is working closely with the Federal Government and members following the confirmation of H5 avian influenza in two wild seabirds on Western Australia’s southern coast. NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the detection in a brown skua and a giant petrel was serious but manageable, with Australia well prepared. “Australia has successfully […]
Farmers call time on costly Basin buybacks
The National Farmers’ Federation has reiterated its strong opposition to further water buybacks under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, following the Federal Government’s announcement it has secured around 380 gigalitres toward the 450GL target. NFF Water Committee Chair Malcolm Holm said recovering the additional 450GL had always been a choice, not an environmental necessity. “Let’s be […]
Tax change delivers immediate win for thousands of farmers
The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to expand access to a key Capital Gains Tax (CGT) concession, describing it as one of the most consequential wins for the NFF and its members following sustained advocacy on behalf of farmers. The Prime Minister today confirmed the turnover threshold for the small business […]
New trade role to advance Australian agriculture’s global opportunities
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is pleased to announce Ms Su McCluskey has been appointed as the NFF’s Australian Agriculture Trade Diversification Representative. Funded by the Federal Government’s Accessing New Markets Initiative, the Australian Agriculture Trade Diversification Representative is a 12-month project promoting agrifood trade opportunities in new and existing markets. NFF CEO Mike Guerin congratulated Ms McCluskey on her appointment. “Su brings extensive international experience, a strong understanding of the NFF, deep credibility and invaluable networks. Given this is a short-term project, the selection […]
Farmers must not be overlooked in tax bill inquiry
As public hearings for the Senate Economics Legislation Committee’s inquiry into the Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026 continue today, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is urging the Committee to keep Australian farmers front of mind. NFF President Hamish McIntyre said it was critical that proposed changes to capital gains tax (CGT) […]
Growers urged to prepare after Landline spotlights Varroa’s pollination toll
Following ABC Landline’s profile of the pollination impacts of Varroa mite, the NFF Horticulture Council and the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) are jointly calling on horticulture producers to plan now for a future where reliable, managed pollination can no longer be taken for granted. Varroa destructor is now established across New South Wales, […]
NFF joins Australian, New Zealand Prime Ministers’ business forum
Below is the opening statement by National Farmers’ Federation’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Guerin, who attended the Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Forum (ANZLF) – Business Dialogue in Queensland today. The ANZLF is the only high-level bilateral leadership forum that engages closely with government and business to discuss areas of strategic importance for the mutual benefit of […]
Statement on paraquat use in agriculture
Comments attributable to NFF President Hamish McIntyre: Farmers take their responsibility to protect people and the environment seriously. This is not just a principle, it’s fundamental to running a viable farm business. Without healthy people and a healthy environment, there is no food and fibre production. We acknowledge the recent reports in the media about […]