AT NFF we are genuinely excited about Australian agriculture and its future. We are world competitive, we are good at what we do.
Yes, we have challenges – we always will, but the fundamentals are strong and all we need from Governments are some basic building blocks to set the framework. We will do the rest.
We need a competitive cost base, we need access to markets so we can sell our product at a decent price, we need access to sustainable resources, we need people and skills and we need strong community engagement and understanding of what we do and why we do it.
This is not a long list, not a wish list, it’s not asking the Government to make it rain or sell our product – indeed it’s not even asking Government to deliver all these things themselves - it’s just about getting the fundamentals right and empowering our people and businesses to get on with the job.
How do we achieve this? Several ways.
Secure property rights so we can invest and grow our businesses with confidence.
Water policy that gives certainty and balances environmental and productive needs.
Options to increase productivity by good strong R&D, a biosecurity system that protects the plant and animal diseases free status of our county, and taxation, infrastructure and immigration settings that enable regional Australia to grow and continue to make such an important contribution to the economy.
What our members want from Governments is for strong building blocks that help, not hinder, business, and that enable us to take up the opportunities.
I outline this because before you can criticise others for not having a vision for regional Australia in the context of an election campaign you have to have one yourself. At NFF we do.
But we are still looking for a long term vision from both major parties.
The problem with asking for things is that people think you have your hand out, that we are whinging.
We don’t have our hand out - we are just asking for a sound long term policy base in the bush so we can continue to contribute to the economic and social fabric of this country.
The problem with this campaign is that we haven’t heard enough of a vision from either side of politics to give us confidence that agriculture will be at the heart of any future Government thinking.
Not a special deal, just decision making that recognises that our food and fibre production are an important part of the modern Australian economy and the Nation.
The politicians will tell you that times are tough on the back of the GFC and that finances are short.
That’s fine and farmers know a bit about fiscal responsibility in hard times, but having a vision doesn’t cost a cent.
We have seen some positive steps from the parties: for example, Tony Burke’s announcement he will put together a food strategy and the excellent statement from John Cobb that the Coalition will increase its investment in agricultural R&D.
But with one week left to go our leaders need to have more to say about the future of agriculture.
Sustainable population growth and food security demand a serious commitment to agriculture.
Don’t take us for granted. The clock is ticking.
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