GRAIN Producers Australia (GPA) says the Australian Labor Party (ALP) victory in Saturday’s federal election presents an opportunity to engage in renewed discussions on key policy priorities for the Australian grains industry.
GPA chair and Western Australian grain producer Barry Large said GPA now welcomed the opportunity to work with the incoming government and its ministers handling agriculture, trade and transport to ensure grower views were central to their plans and policy-development agendas.
“We congratulate Anthony Albanese and his team on their victory at yesterday’s election, where Australian voters signalled a clear appetite for change,” Mr Large said.
“When last in government, Labor delivered some important policy reforms for the grains sector and we now anticipate the opportunity, as indicated during the campaign, to discuss how we can collaborate and help solve today’s issues.”
During the election campaign, GPA wrote to each of the major parties, minor parties and independents with GPA’s policy priorities and sought commitments.
“We were greatly encouraged by the ALP’s positive response, outlining their positive plans and demonstrating that they’re willing to listen to our issues and requests,” Mr Large said.
“The incoming government’s response recognised the substantial contribution the grains sector makes to Australian agriculture, and that we’re also a major contributor to the future prosperity of regional economies, communities, Australia’s food security and export income.
“This adds to the positive engagement we’ve had with Shadow Agriculture Minister Julie Collins and other members of the ALP.”
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