Farmers call for immediate action on vital trade agreements
The National Farmers’ Federation has called on the Australian Parliament to support the expedited ratification of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), the Australia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement, and the long overdue Peru-Australia Free Trade Agreement. NFF President Fiona Simson said IA-CEPA secured important new market access for Australia’s agricultural exports and the Parliament […]
Statement on the passing of former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer AC
On behalf of the National Farmers’ Federation, President Fiona Simson has extended her sympathy to the family of former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer AC, and paid tribute to his enormous contribution to regional and rural Australia. Ms Simson said Mr Fischer’s life’s work on behalf of regional Australians had etched him a special place […]
South Australian decision to lift GM moratorium a win for farmers
The South Australian Government’s decision to lift the moratorium on the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops on the State’s mainland, is a win for farmers. The moratorium will remain in place for Kangaroo Island, due to a unique market for non-GM canola that a group of KI producers has established in Japan. Yesterday’s decision […]
Statement on Marland Mushroom decision
In a win for agriculture, the Federal Court of Australia has today dismissed an appeal by the Fair Work Ombudsman in a matter that threatened the use of piece rates (a system by which employees are paid on the basis of the amount of work completed) under the Horticulture Award. Since 2017, the National Farmers’ […]
Farmers call for bolstered biosecurity budget
Ensuring Australia’s biosecurity is adequately resourced must be a number one priority for Government to protect the economy, the environment and agriculture from unwanted pests and diseases. This is the message from the National Farmers’ Federation. The NFF is calling for government to prioritise the implementation of the Biosecurity Imports Levy. The levy would make […]
A statement on the Broken Hill pipeline project
We maintain our support for the Broken Hill pipeline project. This project is a win for the people of Broken Hill, who now have a secure water supply, and is a win for irrigators, because it has provided a long-term solution for the environment, communities and stakeholders. We do not expect the pipeline to lead […]
Farmers concerned as Government moves towards a ban on common food names
The National Farmers’ Federation is dismayed the Government has taken the next step towards banning the use of common food names in Australia, such as feta, brie, camembert, and scotch beef. “Australian farmers will be worse off should the Government ultimately agree to the EU’s demands that we extend protection for geographical indications (GIs) to […]
Launch of NBN Co's Sky Muster Plus a win for regional, rural & remote Australians
The Regional, Rural and Remote Communications Coalition (RRRCC) is celebrating today’s launch of NBN Co’s Sky Muster Plus wholesale product as a win for internet users in the bush. “This enhancement is a game-changer for families and small businesses who rely on Sky Muster services, and is a direct result of the advocacy of the […]
Coroner finds OPD would have saved farmer's life & backs ACCC recommendations
The Victorian Coroner has found an operator protection device (OPD) would have saved the life of a 69-year-old farmer who suffered fatal head and chest injuries in a quad bike rollover incident in 2017. In the findings released today, the Coroner supports the ACCC’s ‘comprehensive report’ and recommendations to Government to mandate OPDs and other […]
Farmers welcome independent oversight of live animal export regulation
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomes the introduction of legislation to formally establish the role of the Inspector General of Live Animal Exports. The Bill, introduced in the Senate yesterday by Agriculture Minister Bridget McKenzie, delivers on a key recommendation of the 2018 independent review of the live animal exports regulator (the Moss Review). The […]