THE National Farmers’ Federation says National Cabinet’s agreement to a National Fuel Security Plan is a first step in co-ordinating the response to ongoing fuel pressures, but significantly more action is required to shore up fuel supplies for food production.
NFF president Hamish McIntyre said national co-ordination is critical.
“We welcome efforts to bring governments together to respond,” Mr McIntyre said.
“However, immediate work needs to occur outlining how the Government intends to secure fuel supply for Australian farmers.
“There is rising angst among farmers about supply and cost at a critical time as the sector readies for the winter sowing period.”
The NFF met with its members following National Cabinet to discuss the new national plan.
“While the national co-ordination was welcomed, our members found the lack of detail in the plan concerning,” Mr McIntyre said.
“Halving the fuel excise will provide relief for consumers, but it does little directly for farmers and we hold concerns that as to the impact this policy may have on overall fuel demand.”
Mr McIntyre said the announcement reinforced the need for NFF’s key asks on fuel supply, including an agriculture-specific plan to secure fuel supply for farmers and fishers, with clear ‘trigger points’ for government action to safeguard food production in both the short and medium term. The plan must drive sector coordination across all jurisdictions and all commodities.
Also needed is the inclusion of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry as critical industries-service under the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act 1984 and targeted small business support for those across the supply chain facing acute financial pressures.
“Now we have the beginnings of a national framework, farmers and fishers need a clear, agriculture-specific plan so they can make informed decisions about planting, harvesting and keeping food moving across the country,” Mr McIntyre said.
The NFF also welcomed the Government’s commitment the weekend to underwriting the imports of fuel supplies.
Mr McIntyre highlighted the importance that any new measures are carefully monitored.
“It is important costs aren’t passed onto farmers and regional communities or that they create unintended consequences in an already volatile environment,” he said.
