National Farmers’ Federation takes desperate measures to save farming
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has been forced to take the extraordinary step of launching its largest protest campaign in almost 40 years, as Labor continues to decimate the industry and the regions.
Leader of the Nationals WA Shane Love said the NFF was desperately trying to save farming from a Labor government that had torn up farming confidence. New NFF president David Jochinke also gave a dire warning at the NFF Conference that it was in the fight of its life.
“It has taken just 18 months for Agriculture Minister Murray Watt and the Prime Minister to lose the confidence of the agriculture sector,” Mr Love said.
“Every single Australian is feeling the impact of the pain and hurt being put onto farmers, because the end result of Labor’s bad policies are families being forced to pay more for food at the checkout.”
Farmers are being punished by Labor in almost every possible area. Just some examples include;
Fresh food tax – Labor is taxing farmers more, by forcing them to pay for the biosecurity risks of international importers.
“It is unfathomable the Labor government would ask farmers pay for the biosecurity risks of international importers from other countries.
“All farmers will be impacted by Labor’s new tax, which will push up the price of fresh food.”
Scrapping the Ag visa – Australia’s top peak food industry bodies warned that agriculture required an additional 172,000 workers, yet only around 16,000 Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) workers have come in since Labor got into office.
“Labor is refusing to reinstate the Agriculture Visa, even though changes to the PALM Scheme are making it even more difficult and costly for farmers to get their product from paddock to plate.
“Farmers simply can’t get the workers they need and will be forced to offer a minimum of 30 hours per week, despite agriculture work being seasonal and weather dependent.”
Banning live sheep exports – Labor is destroying the livelihoods of 3000 people and an industry worth $85 million, by banning live sheep exports.
“Minister Watt has turned his back on the live sheep industry. If Minister Watt is so confident in his decision and the science behind it, details from the Independent Panel Report, handed to Minister Watt, must immediately be released.”
Mr Love said it was clear Labor at both a state and federal level don’t care about the regional communities which underpin the economic prosperity of this nation.
“The track record of Labor supporting the farming industry speaks for itself. Now, we see Anthony Albanese and Murray Watt pressing forward with their unacceptable policies that are punishing our farmers.”