NFF’s Policy Voting Guide scrutinises parties’ credentials on agriculture & the regions
In an election campaign of hits and misses for farmers and regional Australia, the National Farmers’ Federation has revealed how the major parties stack up against its election priorities, rating them in a Policy Voting Guide released today. “The NFF consulted with farmers, industry and regional voters about what they require from our next Government. […]
NFF welcomes Labor’s commitments on biosecurity & regional development but awaits detail
National Farmers’ Federation President Fiona Simson has welcomed positive additional commitments by Labor in its Agriculture and Regional Communities Statement released today. “The NFF is particularly pleased by a commitment to ‘deliver long-term, sustainable funding’ to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity system. “It comes at time when cattle producers are staring down outbreaks of foot and mouth […]
Diesel uncertainty fuels concern for farmers
The ball is in Labor’s court to confirm its support for the Fuel Tax Credits Scheme, following the Coalition’s commitment today. “Farmers expect both major parties would be in lockstep in their position on this important mechanism,” NFF CEO Tony Mahar said. “The NFF has been alarmed during the campaign by slurs from a number of […]
Coalition’s Ag Plan confirms ongoing support for farm sector growth
National Farmers Federation President Fiona Simson says the Coalition’s Ag Plan proposes wide-ranging investments to back agriculture’s growth trajectory.“We acknowledge the Coalition’s ongoing support for the NFF-led goal for agriculture to be a $100 billion industry by 2030. “The Coalition’s election plan for agriculture includes many of the investments included in the recent Federal Budget, […]
Labor’s live sheep export decision sets a dangerous precedent
Labor has revealed its plan to end Australia’s live sheep exports confirming what farmers and industry feared. “On sheep exports, Labor isn’t prepared to be informed about the sector’s monumental improvements and the importance of the industry to producers, communities and Australia’s trading partners,” NFF President Fiona Simson said. “They continue to beholden to a […]
Farmers & small business demand certainty on instant asset write-off
Farmers have been blindsided today by the Finance Minister’s admission the instant asset write-off may not have a place in a Coalition Government after 2023. “The small business instant asset write-off was a stroke of genius by the current Government when introduced along with dedicated provisions for agriculture in 2015,” NFF CEO Tony Mahar said. […]
Farmers seek reassurance on climate change and sustainability
The NFF is calling for both parties to reiterate their commitment to working with farmers to navigate climate risk and capture the diverse new income opportunities on offer. “According to the ABC’s Vote Compass 57% of people surveyed think agriculture is doing its fair share or more on climate action, higher than business in general […]
AWU’s self-serving, shameful ploy to harvest farm workers’ personal information
Farm workers won’t benefit one iota from the Australian Workers Union’s latest stunt to get headlines and lure members. The AWU’s so-called ‘Piece Rates calculator’ is actually an old-fashioned online form to harvest personal information to be used for membership drives and mailing lists. The ‘calculator’ doesn’t even bother to collect basic information required to […]
More funding for rural doctor crisis welcomed
National Farmers’ Federation President Fiona Simson has praised the Coalition on its commitment to bolster the regional doctor workforce, if elected for a further term of Government. “For farmers and their families access to health care is a deeply troubling issue and one that unfortunately brings into sharp focus the inequity between country Australians and […]
Both sides MIA on plan for agriculture and climate change
This election farmers are seeking clear guidance on each party’s vision for agriculture’s role in Australia’s response to climate change. NFF President Fiona Simson said entering week four of the campaign, there had so far been radio silence from both sides. “Farmers manage 55 per cent of the Australian landscape and have led the way […]