Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism, Kevin Hogan, says the Labor Government's proposed mandatory climate reporting scheme, within their Nature Positive Bill, is a disaster for our farmers and will impact our competitiveness in the export space.
Mr Hogan said asking our farmers to make scope 3 climate disclosures, which include emissions along the supply chain, will make us less competitive.
"Our trading competitors aren't subject to the same requirements, so this makes it harder for Australian agricultural exporters, and puts them on an unfair playing field," he said.
"This legislation will result in increased costs, meaning our competitiveness in the export space will be impacted. Trading partners will look to markets outside of Australia and it will ultimately damage our exporting reputation."
Mr Hogan said this is just another example of the Labor government driving the regional versus urban divide.
"It is obvious that the government only care about appeasing their inner-city voters and forget our regional communities. Farmers are already swamped by red tape, rising costs and workforce concerns - all which have worsened since Labor took government.
"Our Australian farmers feed and clothe us and are one of the major contributors to the economy yet this government continues to hamper the industry with new legislation.
"Labor must cut agriculture out of this proposed legislation and start showing the industry the respect it deserves," Mr Hogan said.
