Mobile coverage obligation will deliver one giant leap for rural Australia
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed today’s announcement that the Federal Government has committed to introducing a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO). If enshrined by legislation, the world-first proposal means telecommunications companies will be legally bound to guarantee basic, outdoor voice and text mobile coverage across every corner of Australia. NFF President David Jochinke, […]
NFF welcomes ACCC compliance and enforcement priorities
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the competition watchdog confirming supermarkets remain at the top of its priorities for the year ahead. In a keynote speech at the Committee for Economic Development Australia, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Chair, Gina Cass-Gottlieb, outlined the ACCC’s compliance and enforcement priorities for 2025 to 2026. Ms […]
Wins in parliament to save farmers millions, highlight the power of farm advocacy
As the second February sitting week wraps up, Australian famers have secured major policy wins across biosecurity, taxation, environment and trade. National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke has spent the past sitting fortnight balancing his time between the farm and the halls of Parliament, speaking directly with political leaders. “It’s no secret farmers have faced […]
Farmers celebrate the biosecurity tax being scrapped
Farmers across the nation are celebrating the Federal Parliament’s decision to discharge the Biosecurity Protection Levy, effectively binning the tax. National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke welcomed the decision and thanked the Minister for Agriculture, Julie Collins, for listening to farmers’ concerns. “This is a huge win for farmers. The Minister and the Senate have […]
Industry puts regulators on notice for pushing up price of food
The NFF Horticulture Council has today drawn a line in the sand, tasking national food safety regulators with taking a long hard look at themselves. Chair of the Council Jolyon Burnett has written to Commonwealth, State and Territory members of the Food Ministers’ Meeting, calling on them to instigate an independent review into the development […]
3G Shutdown Senate Inquiry Public Hearing
The below is the opening statement by National Farmers’ Federation Acting CEO Charlie Thomas, who appeared before the 3G Shutdown Senate Inquiry Public Hearing late yesterday. Thank you for the opportunity to appear today. The livelihoods of Australian farming families are intrinsically tied to accessible, reliable, affordable, and high-quality connectivity. Telstra and Optus commenced the […]
National Small Business Strategy backs agricultural right to repair
The National Farmers’ Federation has applauded the National Small Business Strategy backing right to repair “especially in agriculture and farming” as part of much needed competition policy reforms. NFF President David Jochinke said the Strategy acknowledged what farmers had been clearly saying – right to repair could help ease cost pressures, lift productivity and improve […]
NFF priorities for an incoming Federal Government
By NFF President, David ‘DJ’ Jochinke The impending Federal Election will be a defining moment for Australian agriculture. The possibility of a minority government; global trade uncertainty with Donald Trump at the helm of the US; and the climate targets that are racing towards us, could all have an impact on our sector this year. […]
Farmers to benefit as $20M On Farm Connectivity Program returns
The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed funding for a third round of the On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP). Announced today by the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland MP, the OFCP is designed to assist farmers to adopt advanced connected machinery and sensor technology. In previous rounds of the program, farmers have benefited from a 50% […]
NFF submission to NBN Public Ownership Bill Inquiry
The NFF is supportive of maintaining public ownership of NBN Co for the foreseeable future and, as such, supports ensuring that strong safeguards exist to privatisation. The risks and implications associated with the privatisation of NBN CO are serious. A commercially driven approach to broadband delivery in rural and remote areas will risk reduced coverage, […]