Ag leaders united in vote of no confidence in Federal Government

Members of Australian agriculture’s peak policy-making forum no longer have confidence in the Federal Government to have the industry's back.  

The National Farmers’ Federation’s Members Council, which is made up of Australia’s state and commodity agricultural organisations, on Friday carried three motions: 

• That the NFF no longer has confidence in the Albanese Government to act in the interests of Australian agriculture. 

• The NFF believe Cabinet and caucus have made the live export decision without considering the scientific and industry data presented in the consultation process to the detriment of all sectors of agriculture. 

• The NFF rejects the current assistance package as a token gesture and sees the only satisfactory outcome is the continuation of the trade in live sheep. 

Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt refuted the assertions, telling APLus News that the Albanese Government had a strong track record of working with farmers, including meeting with the NFF President and CEO twice this week. 

However, Mr NFF President David Jochinke said: “Farmers, fishers and foresters feel they are being treated with contempt as this Government pursues its single-minded policy agenda.

“There is clear disconnect between what the Government is doing and what farmers need to remain profitable and productive," Mr Jochinke said. 

"The Government says it's listening but today the agriculture sector reiterated its view – that farmers do not feel like they are being recognised.  

“The Government is putting in policy that might line up with what they think inner city voters want, but it ignores rural and regional people.  

“The live sheep export ban timeframe is just the final straw. We’ve seen a number of seriously harmful policies from this Government now. 

“We say to Government: Stop with the poor policy and red tape. Stop taking away our markets, our water, our workers, our land. 

“We don’t want this fight. Walk with us to better understand what we do, listen to us and listen genuinely." 

Mr Jochinke said farmers wanted a Government that would back the growth and opportunity the farm sector could offer. 

“We can be Australia’s next $100 billion industry. We can continue to sustainably grow Australia’s export income, create new jobs in our cities and regions, and reinvest in our landscapes – but we need a Government that backs us, not diminishes us," he said. 

Senator Watt reiterated the Government's commitment to industry, including that it had delivered record biosecurity funding from taxpayers and importers to protect farmers, something that was sought by the NFF after years of biosecurity cuts by the National Party. 

 “We reopened trade with our biggest trading partner, which was destroyed by the former Coalition Government, and we’ve opened more new market access than ever before," Senator Watt said.

 “We’re assisting farmers adapt to climate change, rather than pretend it is not happening. 

 "And we’re rebuilding the ag workforce after years of neglect, both before and during COVID. 

“We have also provided more than $6.3 million to the NFF in 2022-23 to deliver various programs. 

“Unlike David Littleproud, who called the NFF ‘ignorant’ and ‘sideline critics’ when he was Minister, I maintain an open and honest dialogue with the leadership of the NFF.”