Search begins for next Chair of NFF Horticulture Council

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Horticulture Council has today announced the commencement of recruitment for its next Chair, with current Chair Jolyon Burnett set to conclude his term at the end of June. The Council is seeking an experienced and independent leader to guide its work as the national peak forum for horticulture policy and […]

Farmers welcome $10 billion fuel security package

Comments attributable to NFF President, Hamish McIntyre Todays’ announcement of a $10 billion Australian Fuel Security and Resilience package is a welcome step toward building the sovereign capability we need to protect our food system. The package will establish a fuel and fertiliser security facility, and create a government-owned fuel security reserve. The package will […]

Sensible tax settings and business investment key in volatile times 

Farmers will be closely watching next week’s Federal Budget as impacts from the Middle East conflict continue to hit the ag industry hard.   The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President Hamish McIntyre said the Budget was an important opportunity to support the sector through sensible tax settings and small business investment.   “Farmers are facing waves of uncertainty due to weakened supply chains,” Mr McIntyre said.   “We’re concerned that poorly targeted reforms in the Budget could […]

Agriculture and manufacturing unite behind national ethanol and biodiesel mandate

For the first time, four of Australia’s most influential agricultural bodies – the National Farmers’ Federation, GrainGrowers, Australian Sugar Manufacturers and CANEGROWERS – have joined forces to urge the Australian Government to introduce an immediate national mandate for ethanol and biodiesel to bolster fuel security, support regional jobs and unlock new value-adding opportunities for Australian […]

Time to get the Basin Plan right: farmers call for smarter management

As the first comprehensive review of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan has closed, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is calling on the Federal Government to seize the moment and deliver a smarter, more balanced approach to water reform and not repeat the mistakes of the past. NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the review marks a critical […]

NFF appears at public hearing on UOMO Legislation

The below is the opening statement by National Farmers’ Federation’s Telecommunications Committee Chair, Peter Thompson, who appeared at the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee inquiry into Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025 on Monday, 20 April, 2026. Thank you for the opportunity to appear today.  For rural, regional, and remote Australians, mobile […]

Business leaders call for 25% red tape reduction amid rising costs

Nearly 30 groups representing small, medium and large businesses, and universities, that employ millions of Australians, are calling on all governments to cut regulatory costs by 25 per cent to help consumers and businesses amid surging costs caused by the Middle East war. The Alliance of Industry Associations, which represents every part of the Australian […]

Statement on fertiliser from Indonesia

Comments attributable to NFF President, Hamish McIntyre This is a very welcome step and will go a long way to restoring confidence for farmers heading into the winter growing season. Securing an additional 250,000 tonnes of urea provides some much-needed certainty. This is around 20 per cent of the remaining fertiliser needed for the season […]

Help needed as regional Aussies navigate new mobile tech

Fast Facts on the Regional Tech Hub (2025) The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has dubbed the Regional Tech Hub an essential service ahead of major changes to telecommunications in the bush. The incoming Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) will require mobile carriers to make outdoor mobile phone coverage available across the country. The policy means […]