NFF submission to Renewing the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy consultation
Animal welfare is fundamental to farmers. The NFF is committed to working with its members and with governments and others to continuously improve animal welfare outcomes and to ensure Australian farmers are recognised as global leaders. The NFF submission outlines our sector’s expectations for the renewal of the AAWS, in terms of process, engagement and outcomes. […]
Biosecurity system reaps rewards of sensible cost recovery reform
The National Farmers’ Federation recognises the additional $47.1 million injection into Australia’s biosecurity system over the past year, confirmed by Agriculture Minister Murray Watt today. The additional funding has been delivered because of the Federal Government’s sustainable biosecurity funding reform, which increased fees and charges on importers to achieve full cost recovery from 1 July […]
New APVMA leadership have their work cut out
The National Farmers’ Federation welcomes the appointment of the new Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt appointed Dr Catherine Ainsworth as the APVMA Board Chair for a four-year term from today. Further, the APVMA Board has appointed Scott Hansen […]
NFF welcomes funding to prepare for deadly bird flu strain
The National Farmers’ Federation welcomes the Federal Government’s $6.9 million commitment to prepare for a potential incursion of H5 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI). NFF President David Jochinke said while other strains were present here, Australia was the last continent to remain free from the H5 strain. “It is imperative that we pull every lever […]
Farmers gutted by live sheep ban passing parliament
In a devastating blow to farming communities, Parliament tonight passed legislation to end the live sheep trade, disregarding proper process, extensive evidence and pleas from farmers across Australia. NFF President David Jochinke said the decision had been met with widespread dismay from farmers who had invested into significant reforms for the trade, resulting in world-leading […]
House Committee performs ‘hit and run’ on WA farmers
Australia’s peak farm body has savaged a report on the Government’s live sheep ban, released by the House of Representatives Agriculture Committee today. Acting Chief Executive Charlie Thomas labelled the inquiry process a “hoax” designed to sideline the concerns of farmers. “We’re talking about cancelling an industry. Cancelling people’s jobs and livelihoods. “This ban is […]
Live sheep exports: House of Representatives Standing Committee public hearing
Today the House of Representatives, Standing Committee is holding the first of two public hearings on the legislation to end live sheep exports by sea. Below is the opening statement by National Farmers’ Federation Acting CEO, Charlie Thomas: Thank you for the opportunity to appear today and share our members’ serious concerns about this proposed […]
Statement on Perth farmer protests
Comments attributable to NFF President David Jochinke The Prime Minister, Ag Minister and all parliamentarians need to take a good look at what’s unfolding in Perth this morning. This is a grassroots farmer demonstration of historic proportions. Frustration at this Government’s rotten decisions has started to boil over. This latest call on live sheep exports […]
NFF to Parliament: Think carefully about historic export ban
Australia’s peak farm body is urging parliamentarians to inform themselves and contemplate the serious precedent being set by the Government’s legislation to ban live sheep exports, tabled today. NFF President David Jochinke warns that unless MPs and senators do their homework, they are likely to fall victim to a highly effective misinformation campaign by animal […]
Open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Dear Prime Minister, Last week, for the first time in 39 years, farmers from across Australia determined that they no longer have confidence in your government to represent their interests. This vote followed an unprecedented walk-out by farmers on your Agriculture Minister’s budget address. This is not how we usually operate at the National Farmers’ […]