Addressing issues affecting the dairy industry has become a high priority for federal election candidates.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Pledges have been made by both the Coalition and Labor parties in the lead-up to Saturday’s election.
The political commitments made by major parties in relation to the dairy crisis have been outlined by Farmer Power president Chris Gleeson.
Mr Gleeson said although Farmer Power was not politically aligned, it wished to “draw voters’ attention” to the “points of particular relevance”.
“Dairy farmers are desperately hoping that a new parliament will respond more effectively to problems facing the industry,” he said.
The Coalition have pledged a $6-billion investment as part of their Agriculture Package with $2.5 billion for drought concessional loans and $550 million for eligible dairy farmers.
A further $2 million will establish a Milk Price Index to help predict future prices.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has pledged to simplify access to concessional loans through a new body that will manage funds, bypassing state government influence.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has promised to sit with Murray Goulburn directors to discuss the “deeply troubling” issues affecting the dairy industry.
The Labor party has pledged to support the Coalition’s package, but added that it would do more to help, if elected.
Shadow Agriculture Minister Joel Fitzgibbon said: "Farmers need cash in their pockets to pay the bills and keep the banks from the front gate”.
Mr Fitzgibbon said he wanted Murray Goulburn shareholders to forego dividends to help farmers.
“That same amount of money can make the world of difference," he said.
Wannon Labor candidate Michael Barling said the way processors treated farmers was “unconscionable”.
“We need to find a long-term solution to fair pricing in this imperfect market and finding a solution is a first-order issue,” he said.