Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has referred to as on his Labor counterpart Joel Fitzgibbon to work with him to develop a dairy business help package deal to assist struggling dairy farmers.
After a 3-day go to to Victoria throughout which he spoke to many dairy farmers, Mr Joyce issued a press release saying that caretaker provisions prevented him from appearing unilaterally, and he was subsequently “unable to announce additional help measures right now”.
He additionally stated: “It’s my intention to seek the advice of with the Opposition on the help package deal inside days. I ask my Opposition counterpart to work shortly with me in a bipartisan approach to finalise the help package deal.”
Whereas in Victoria this week, Mr Joyce urged dairy farmers to remain on the land, and stated that the Australian dairy business had a sound future.
On Wednesday he stated he would ask for a change in eligibility standards for drought restoration loans which come at low rates of interest, in order that dairy farmers hit by plummeting funds might get entry to this cash.
Mr Joyce stated greater than half of Australia’s 6100 dairy farmers can be immediately affected by the current selections of processors Murray Goulburn and Fonterra to slash farmgate milk costs paid to farmers for his or her milk. Murray Goulburn is Australia’s largest dairy processor, whereas Fonterra is the world’s largest dairy exporter.
Estimates of the monetary influence on farmers of the worth cuts have various extensively, however many farmers are anticipated to expertise a fall in income of properly in extra of $one hundred,000 over the subsequent twelve months.
“The Coalition Authorities values the contribution Australia’s dairy farmers make to our communities, underpinning regional economies and supplying top quality meals merchandise. They deserve all our help,” Mr Joyce stated.