Australian agriculture's peak policy-making forum has sent a powerful message to the Albanese Government.
The National Farmers' Federation's Members Council, comprising Australia's state and commodity agricultural organisations, has today 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.
NFF President David Jochinke said this was an unprecedented move representing a united front from the industry.
"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. The Government says its 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 diminish us.
"Instead of building the value of our industry, this Government's policies will directly strip billions from farm output over the coming years.
"They've taken away water, shut down markets, added new taxes and blocked workers. It's a recipe to kill off economic activity and grow less Aussie food and fibre.
"Farmers are furious, frustrated and they are hurting. But most of all, they just want to get on with the job of growing the food and fibre we all need.
"What we are asking Government is actually very simple. It is to keep farmers farming."
