Nature Repair (Enhanced Native Vegetation) Methodology Determination
The NFF’s original submission in November 2025 raised significant concerns about the restriction of projects to selected IBRA subregions in eastern and south-western Australia. The NFF argued that this substantially constrained participation, particularly across northern Australia and grazing and native-pasture landscapes, and recommended consideration of percentage-based eligibility or case-by-case assessment for otherwise suitable projects. […]
NFF welcomes investment in national traceability coordination
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the Australian Government’s investment in strengthening Australia’s agricultural traceability systems through a new industry-led national traceability governance mechanism. The Australian Government has provided the NFF funding to establish the successor to the Australian Agricultural Traceability Governance Group (AATGG), supporting nationally coordinated implementation of the National Agricultural Traceability Strategy. […]
National Environmental Standard for Community Engagement
Should the Commonwealth proceed with finalising this Standard through the current process, significant amendments are required to make it workable and fit-for-purpose for agriculture. In summary: The NFF’s full submission can be found here.
National Environmental Standard for Data and Information
Broadly, we are comfortable with the content of the Standard, including the single headline Objective that decisions made under the EPBC Act “are based on appropriate data and information and to extend the availability of credible data and information assets for use in such decisions”. However, we continue to hold strong concerns regarding the Principles-led […]
National Biosecurity Reforms
The NFF strongly supports the National Biosecurity Strategy (NBS) as a framework to align priorities and actions to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity system. The proposed reform agenda presents a range of initiatives that, if delivered fully and effectively, may result in meaningful improvements to Australia’s biosecurity system. However, additional reforms should also be considered. The NFF’s […]
Nature Repair (Protect and Conserve) Methodology Determination
The NFF strongly supports the Government’s vision for market-driven solutions to enhance biodiversity while recognising the need to ensure practical implementation, regulatory clarity, and financial sustainability for agricultural participants. The NFF reiterates our position that the Nature Repair Market must be accessible and developed in a manner that maximises participation for landholders across the agriculture […]
Farmers are not the Greens’ bargaining chip
Opinion editorial by Hamish McIntyre, NFF President On 1 July, the new National Environmental Protection Agency and Environment Information Australia formally commence. This is on top of laws already in force since 1 December, after Environment Minister Murray Watt struck a deal with the Greens to push EPBC Act changes through Parliament. A separate deal […]
New Basin report confirms buybacks have gone too far
The National Farmers’ Federation says today’s release of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s What We Heard Report confirms water buybacks have already gone too far and must now be brought to an end. While the report captures stakeholder feedback and will inform the next phase of Basin Plan reform, it does not set policy direction. NFF […]
Farmers call time on costly Basin buybacks
The National Farmers’ Federation has reiterated its strong opposition to further water buybacks under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, following the Federal Government’s announcement it has secured around 380 gigalitres toward the 450GL target. NFF Water Committee Chair Malcolm Holm said recovering the additional 450GL had always been a choice, not an environmental necessity. “Let’s be […]
Growers urged to prepare after Landline spotlights Varroa’s pollination toll
Following ABC Landline’s profile of the pollination impacts of Varroa mite, the NFF Horticulture Council and the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) are jointly calling on horticulture producers to plan now for a future where reliable, managed pollination can no longer be taken for granted. Varroa destructor is now established across New South Wales, […]