Exposure Draft on Non-Commercial Losses: Submission

The NFF’s 31 July 2009 submission to the Australian Government’s Exposure Draft regarding Non-Commerical Losses outlines that the proposed changes could lead to significant unintended consequences – including the potential disincentive for farmers to maximise off-farm income and a negative impact on environmental outcomes, among others.

Food Production and Managed Investment Schemes: Submission

The NFF’s 23 July 2009 submission to the Senate Inquiry into Food Production in Australia focuses on Managed Investment Schemes (MIS) and their appropriateness for rural Australia. The NFF is concerned about the exponential growth in MIS forestry projects and believes that in many instances, the MIS mechanism does not promote a sound investment decision.

Inquiry Into Agribusiness Managed Investment Schemes: Submission

The NFF’s 26 June 2009 submission examines the collapse of two of the largest Managed Investment Scheme (MIS) operators – intensifying the focus on the MIS mechanism and how appropriate it is (or isn’t) for rural Australia. The NFF is concerned about the exponential growth in MIS forestry projects and believes that in many instances, […]

Tightening the non-commercial Loan Rules: Submission

The NFF’s 16 June 2009 submission relates to the Australian Government’s rationale for tightening the non-commercial loan provisions under Division 7A. The NFF encourages the Government to ensure that farmers are not unintentionally affected by the new legislation through their legitimate use of company assets owned exclusively for business use – in particular farm land.

Impact of the global financial crisis on regional Australia: Submission

The NFF’s 27 March 2009 submission recommends action to reduce the impact of the global financial crisis on regional Australia, including increasing transparency around bank interest rates, correcting the inequities with bank deposit guarantees, investing in economic and social infrastructure, aggressively pursuing the trade reform agenda and building labour flexibility.

National Framework for Regulation, Registration and Licensing of Heavy Vehicles: Submission

The NFF’s 18 February 2009 submission on the Regulatory Impact Statement highlights that over-regulation, or unpredictable regulation, can adversely impact on the cost of transport and the incentives for new investment. The submission calls for a coherent, transparent and stable regulatory environment to encourage investment in appropriate modes of transport.

2009 Federal Budget Submission

The NFF’s 2009 Federal Budget Submission, released on 19 January 2009, has been devised as a plan for tackling the dual international issues of the global financial crisis and the world food shortage – covering Drought Reform, Research and Development, Data and Information Services, Water, The Environment, Taxation, Social Security, Education, Infrastructure, and Quarantine.

Review of Australia’s Future Tax System: Submission

The NFF’s 17 October 2008 submission highlights key areas where taxation can play a major role in influencing the behaviour of Australia’s farming community and, if used effectively, induce positives for the economy, the environment and society.

Infrastructure Australia – Key Infrastructure: Submission

The NFF’s 15 October 2008 submission outlines key infrastructure needs in the areas of water, energy, transport and telecommunications. Specific focus has been placed on the need to factor in the community service obligation within the Infrastructure Australia planning process, while highlighting specific needs including a new model for determining the future transport infrastructure needs […]