NEWS IN BRIEF: ACCC releases supermarket findings, NTCA conference and knackery closure hits hard

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Supermarkets Inquiry Final Report was released on Friday, finding major chains had little incentive to be competitive on pricing due to their large market share. The ACCC, in its 441-page report, said there was no "silver bullet", delivering a suite of recommendations to address issues including barriers for new entrants, supermarkets' power imbalance over suppliers and lack of choice in remote locations. 

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is working with Agriculture Victoria to resolve the sudden halt of a knackery’s stock disposal service in northern Victoria. VFF Livestock Group President Scott Young stressed the importance of reinstating the service, stating, “It’s an absolutely vital service for local farmers, and it’s critical we get a solution as soon as possible.” In the interim, farmers are encouraged to follow best practice advice for deceased stock disposal.

Nicole McNaughton has been awarded the Queensland AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award for her leadership as CEO of the Food and Agribusiness Network. Recognised at a ceremony in Brisbane, she was honoured for fostering collaboration and innovation in rural communities across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and Gympie regions.

About 1,000 industry representatives are in Darwin this week for the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association’s (NTCA) 41st Annual Conference.  Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley said the conference plays a critical role in shaping the Northern Territory’s billion-dollar cattle industry. The NT’s cattle industry manages nearly half of the Territory’s landmass and more than two million head of cattle, making it a significant contributor to the national and international beef supply chain.

A future Coalition Government would legislate an Import Container Levy, and remove Labor’s biosecurity protection levy once and for all. Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud announced the policy at the NTCA conference, stating that risk creators should fund biosecurity measures rather than placing the burden on farmers. 

Cattle Australia (CA) welcomed the Coalition’s pledge for a fully funded national biosecurity system, including the container levy, as well as $2 million for a pilot trial of real-time early-warning surveillance technology for lumpy skin disease and is urging Labor to follow suit. “Prevention is far better than cure, and increased investment in biosecurity is imperative for market access, animal health, and food safety,” CA Chief Executive Dr Chris Parker said.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has reported that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained steady at 3.7% in February. Australia’s population grew by 2.2% in the 12 months leading up to 30 September 2024, reaching 27.3 million. Beidar Cho, ABS head of demography, noted that Western Australia experienced the fastest growth at 2.5%, followed by Victoria at 2.1% and Queensland at 2.0%.

Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) continues to be detected at piggeries across Queensland, prompting a warning for animal owners to remain vigilant. The virus is transmitted through mosquito bites, and authorities urge livestock owners to implement mosquito control measures. Suspected cases must be reported to a local veterinarian.

AgForce has welcomed amendments by the Government to bring wind farm projects in line with other land uses and mandate financial security for decommissioning turbines. However, AgForce CEO Michael Guerin remains concerned about the Wind Farm Code, particularly regarding excessive noise and liability risks. “Wind farms in Queensland are not required to comply with noise criteria that apply to other industries, including coal and gas. This is unacceptable,” Mr Guerin said. AgForce is calling for further regulatory reforms to protect landholders and rural communities.

Rural Aid has announced more than $145,000 was raised in ALH Hotel’s February fundraising campaign, Parma for a Farmer. The campaign involved a $1 donation for every Parma sold across ALH’s network of over 350 pubs in Australia. On Monday a cheque was presented to Rural Aid to support Australian farmers affected by drought, floods, and other natural disasters.