Report reaffirms farmers’ EPBC Act frustrations & supports calls for reform
The eagerly awaited interim report from the Independent Statutory Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act has affirmed farmers’ long-held frustrations with the regulation and made the case for wide-ranging changes. “The NFF has been seeking reform of the Act for more than a decade,” NFF CEO Tony Mahar said. “Today, we’re pleased […]
NFF survey zeroes-in on labour demands as COVID hits numbers
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has today launched the 2020 edition of its annual Farm Workforce Survey. In order to help farmers better understand and prepare for the impact of COVID-19 on the farm labour workforce, this year’s survey focuses specifically on determining where the demand for workers is highest and how those workers are […]
Get Australia Growing – Fiona Simson Press Club Address
Speech by Ms Fiona Simson, President, National Farmers’ Federation National Press Club, Canberra 14 July 2020 *Check against delivery* INTRODUCTION Good afternoon. It is wonderful to be here in PERSON! It is my first significant trip away from our family’s property near Premer on the Liverpool Plains in four months. I’d like to take this […]
Farmers earmark revitalisation of agri-manufacturing among priorities to accelerate COVID-19 recovery
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) will today unveil its plan for agriculture to accelerate Australia’s COVID-19 economic recovery. NFF President, Fiona Simson is set to launch the Get Australia Growing plan in an address to the National Press Club in Canberra today. “The opportunities the NFF presents have the capacity to provide a rapid boost […]
Expansion of Harvest Trail a step in the right direction but more needed to sure-up farm workforce
The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed the start of the Federal Government’s expansion of Harvest Trail, a service which matches job seekers with farm jobs. NFF CEO Tony Mahar said agriculture continued to be hampered by a workforce shortage and the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on backpacker numbers and the movement of workers in general […]
Milestone day in nation’s new future-focussed approach to drought
National Farmers’ Federation President Fiona Simson said today’s official start of the Future Drought Fund was a milestone day in the nation’s approach to drought policy. During 2019, the NFF supported the development of the Future Drought Fund, which will invest $100 million annually in projects and tools to improve the drought resilience of farmers […]
Farmers put Canberra on notice
By NFF President Fiona Simson At Parliament House, Canberra in 1985, 45,000 farmers marched against crippling interest rates and spiralling taxes. A win over the then Hawke Labor Government and over the unions in a bitter IR dispute just months before, galvanised the impact the bush could have when it stood united in demand of […]
Fee reduction & support for regional universities good news for agriculture
The farm sector has welcomed a move by the Federal Government to reduce fees for tertiary agriculture courses by up to 62 per cent, as recognition of agriculture as an essential and high-growth industry. Education Minister Dan Tehan made the announcement on Friday, as part of a new policy that aims to steer students to […]
Farmers herald official launch of trade negotiations with United Kingdom
National Farmers’ Federation President, Fiona Simson has praised the Federal Government’s focus on the interests of farmers as official negotiations towards a free trade agreement between the United Kingdom and Australia begin. In an address today, Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said securing benefits for Australian agriculture, was a top priority when negotiations between the two […]
Farmers welcome ongoing commitment to Australia’s fuel security
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed initiatives by the Federal Government to enhance Australia’s fuel security. The Government has opened a Request for Information (RFI) process to identify opportunities to increase Australia’s domestic fuel storage capacity. “It is important that viable storage options are identified through this process,” NFF CEO Tony Mahar said. “We […]