Farm sector applauds agricultural Right to Repair recognition from nation’s Treasurers
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has strongly welcomed the announcement by the Board of Treasurers that Right to Repair for agricultural machinery is a key element of national competition policy reforms. On Friday afternoon, Federal, State and Territory Treasurers agreed to sign the 10-year Intergovernmental Agreement on National Competition Policy. Their post-meeting media release specifically […]
Farmers welcome halting of Super Tax, Government competition and supermarket reforms
Australian farmers are breathing a sigh of relief the Treasury Laws Amendment (Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions and Other Measures) Bill 2023 – also know as the Super Tax –didn’t pass the Senate in the last sitting week of the year. The National Farmers’ Federation similarly welcomed the passage of mergers reform and the updated Food […]
NFF welcomes Southeast Asia trade report
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the release of the Trading North Inquiry into the role of Australian agriculture in Southeast Asia from the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture. NFF President David Jochinke said it was great to see the inquiry reaffirm the importance of the relationship between our sector and our partner nations […]
Coles admit fresh produce suppliers have no certainty
Testimony provided today by Coles senior executives, at hearings as part of the ACCC Supermarket Inquiry, have revealed how hollow supermarket commitments on price and volume are for fresh produce suppliers. It was revealed that purchase orders, issued after a weekly negotiation process, were also subject to further negotiation at the behest of the supermarket […]
NFF warns of pressures on global trading frameworks, emphasises the importance of free trade at Senate hearing
Transcript of opening comments to the Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth by Chris Young, NFF General Manager, Trade & Economics. Good morning committee. On behalf of the National Farmers Federation, thank you for the opportunity to appear today. As mentioned just then, I’m Christopher Young. I’m the NFF General Manager of Economics […]
NFF welcomes mergers reform passing the lower house
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed headway on competition reforms that will help encourage investment and strengthen competition in Australia. Today the Treasury Laws Amendment (Mergers and Acquisitions Reform) Bill 2024 passed the House of Representatives, marking a significant step to creating better outcomes for producers and consumers. NFF Deputy CEO Charlie Thomas said […]
Woolworths admits to shortcomings in providing suppliers accurate forecasts
In testimony provided today at hearings as part of the ACCC Supermarket Inquiry, current and former senior managers at Woolworths have admitted to shortcomings in the accuracy of forecasted volumes it has provided to fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers. Current Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell agreed with ACCC senior counsel that data collected at the […]
Government confirms liquidity trap for farmers and small business under new ‘Super Tax’
Farming families and small business owners across the country have been left speechless by the Agriculture and Small Business Minister Julie Collins’ response in question time today regarding proposed changes to superannuation. When asked whether the changes would result in a tax bill on unrealised gains even in years with zero or negative income, the […]
Coles and Woolworths face heat at ACCC hearings
Coles and Woolworths have been subpoenaed to provide evidence at this week’s ACCC hearings as part of their inquiry into supermarket practices. The NFF Horticulture Council is urging the ACCC to focus closely on these supermarkets’ actual buying practices and procedures. “We have long maintained that these buying practices are exploitative and take advantage of […]
NFF welcomes right to repair push, but calls for commitment for ag machinery
The National Farmers’ Federation welcomes Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ renewed emphasis on right to repair in his address today to the Australian Business Economists, but urged the Federal Government to commit to including agricultural machinery in proposed reforms. The Treasurer told the group: “I expect we’ll start by fast-tracking the adoption of trusted international product safety […]