The Federal Government has released its Green Paper as
part of the ongoing review into Australian agricultural
competitiveness and is calling on all stakeholders to comment on a
range of new proposals and policy suggestions. The Paper outlines
ideas thought to increase farm gate returns, open new markets and
allow farmers to better prepare and plan for events such as drought
and flood.
The Paper sets out a number of proposals to support the sector,
including the introduction of numerous tax breaks, permanent access
to concessional loans, cheaper imported labour, expanded foreign
investment restrictions and a revitalisation of co-operatives. Also
raised is the possibility of court ordered divestments by
supermarkets of their businesses and forcing supermarkets to
negotiate prices with a new farmer-owned co-operative and industry
marketing boards.
