Seaweed wonder
OPINION: Research across the ditch has found that seaweed doesn’t just make a tasty wrap for sushi rolls.
In a statement, the National Farmers Federation welcomed Turnbull’s election after a party room coup. Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott lost 54-44 in a leadership poll called by Turnbull.
The NFF says Turnbull and deputy PM Julie Bishop will make a formidable team.
“Together, their business and international policy credentials will form a strong foundation for the Australian economy, supporting the enormous potential of our agriculture sector,” the NFF says.
“We now live in a world of great opportunity, a global economy signified by endless technology and innovation. Australian agriculture has an important role to play in shaping a new vision for an agile and adaptive economy.
“Australia’s clean, safe and high quality produce is in demand around the world. Our unequalled proximity to a growing Asian middle class, coupled with recent strides in market access and digital infrastructure, position agriculture as a significant growth sector in an otherwise fragile economy.”
The NFF notes that farm output is predicted to rise 8% this financial year, to a record A$57.1 billion.
We have the opportunity to cement a firm economic footing with one of the world’s largest trading nations, it says.
“Building consensus on the China FTA must be a priority, so that rural and regional Australia can capitalise on the enormous potential ahead.”
The NFF pays tribute to Abbott for his commitment to public life and leadership over the past two years.
“He has played an important role in shaping the future of our nation. We look forward to constructive engagement with the new government on the issues which matter most to Australian farmers. A modern Australia, with a strong rural voice, will enhance our competitiveness on the global stage.”
Meanwhile the junior Coalition partner in Turnbull’s Government, the National Party, has secured responsibility for water policy and support for competition law reform in a new coalition agreement.
The Nationals have long coveted the water portfolio, which has been held by Liberal members. It will be brought under the agriculture portfolio.
Currently, the parliamentary secretary for the environment, Bob Baldwin, has responsibility for water policy, including implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce was the coalition government’s Murray-Darling spokesman before the 2013 election, however his Liberal colleague Simon Birmingham held ultimate responsibility for the basin plan at that time.
The Nationals claim the agreement also includes support for reform of section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act.
The Government is currently considering whether to introduce an ‘effects test’ that would protect small business against the misuse of market power by dominant players, like big supermarkets. The reform was a recommendation of the major Harper review of competition law.
Nationals leader Warren Truss says the coalition agreement also includes a commitment to further reduce mobile phone and television reception black spots.
But when asked how much money would be allocated to achieving that, and for how long, Truss says, “we don’t put dollar figures into an agreement of this nature”. “What we’re doing is talking about the policy direction we intend to take.”
The agreement also contains an unspecified commitment to a “regional jobs recovery programme in areas of high youth unemployment”, and to financially assist stay-at-home parents with children aged up to one year. It’s not clear how much money will be available, or which areas will be targeted.
The two parties have confirmed a same-sex marriage referendum during the next term of government.
