THE National Farmers’ Federation has today released its 2025 Federal Election Scorecard, revealing how the major parties stack up when it comes to agriculture and regional Australia.
NFF president David Jochinke said farmers – and all Australians who care about where their food and fibre comes from – would head to the ballot box on Saturday with clear eyes, thanks to the scorecard’s analysis of party policies against the NFF’s 2025 Election Platform: Securing Australia’s Farming Future.
“Our message to voters is simple: if you want to keep farming strong, this election matters,” Mr Jochinke said.
“Food security, farm costs, regional infrastructure and workforce shortages aren’t issues that can sit in the too-hard basket. Farmers need a Parliament that’s backing them in, not backing away.”
The NFF’s scorecard shows a mixed bag of commitments.
Labor and the Coalition both support a National Food Security Plan – a key ask from farmers and the broader food supply chain this election.
Both Labor and the Coalition have also pledged practical measures like extending the Instant Asset Write Off, funding Farmsafe Australia, and across Labor, the Coalition and The Greens, investing into childcare and varying levels of support for partnering with farmers on sustainability.
However, some parties are either silent or actively proposing changes that would make life harder for farmers, including altering the Diesel Fuel Rebate, introducing the Super Tax, and maintaining a damaging live sheep export ban.
Mr Jochinke said the NFF welcomed positive steps from all sides, but it was clear no party had earned a perfect scorecard.
“Farmers don’t have time for political spin. We’ve scrutinised the policies, and now it’s up to voters to make their call based on the facts,” he said.
Key gaps in commitments include meaningful progress on industrial relations reform, fair visa settings for farm workers, an end to water buybacks, and proper investment in regional roads and infrastructure.
“Farmers and regional communities are looking for leadership. The policies on the table show some good intent – but intent doesn’t put fuel in tractors, workers on farms or food on the shelves,” Mr Jochinke said.
“We need to see serious effort to roll back the red and green tape, and tackle rising input costs and pressures driven by global and climate volatility.
“This election comes at a critical time for Australian agriculture, regional communities, and for every family who relies on farmers for affordable food and fibre.
“Post-election day, we look forward to working closely with the Government, crossbenchers and all parties to discuss how federal policies impact farmers and the cost of living for all Australians.”
To view the NFF’s scorecard go to 2025 Federal Election Scorecard.
