​Have your say on cutting red tape across the ag sector

FARMERS and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to have their say on regulation affecting Australia’s agriculture sector, with the release of an issues paper today as part of a Productivity Commission inquiry that will look at ways to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden across agriculture.

Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce, said the Coalition Government was delivering on its commitment under the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper to make doing business easier and to cut red tape for farmers.

“Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of regulation is important for all sectors of our economy — but particularly for our $58 billion a year agriculture sector, where our competitiveness in international markets is crucial to profitability,” Minister Joyce said.

“Sensible regulation has important roles to play, such as protecting consumers from unsafe food and supporting our agricultural exports. But poorly administered or implemented regulation can have significant impacts on the profitability and productivity of our farm businesses, and can undermine the sector’s global competitiveness.

“This inquiry will identify priority areas for removing or reducing unnecessary red tape to improve the sector’s productivity and competitiveness, and will also take into account regulation in key supply chains.

“I encourage farmers and anyone else with an interest in our agriculture sector to get involved and have their say.

“In undertaking its inquiry, the Productivity Commission will also be considering submissions received during the development of the Ag White Paper and White Paper on Developing Northern Australia, as well as other relevant material in the public domain.

“This is just one way the Ag White Paper is creating a better business environment for farmers—we have already delivered fairer taxation arrangements, established an ACCC Agriculture Enforcement and Engagement Unit, and have commenced work to streamline regulation of agricultural and veterinary chemicals.”

To find out more about the Productivity Commission inquiry into the Regulation of Agriculture, including how to make a submission or to read the issues paper, visit pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/agriculture.​

To read the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, visit agwhitepaper.agriculture.gov.au.

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