26 February 2014

Hume farmers and rural businesses have been offered one on one meetings with the Federal Government’s Agriculture Taskforce visiting Goulburn next month.

Member for Hume Angus Taylor said the Taskforce visit on Thursday 13 March was a great chance to speak directly to government.

“I’m a farmer. As a farmer, I want to see the new government working hard to open up export markets and cut red tape.

“As a farmer, I want the chance to say how angry I am about the former Labor Government decimating an entire industry – live animal exports.

“As someone who has worked for 20 years on agricultural policy development, I will be talking to the Taskforce about improving our supply chains, reinvigorating stalled industries, attracting skilled labour, sourcing more capital, focusing on research and development.  

“I’m delighted the Taskforce has included Goulburn on its list of regional visits. This is a chance to put some clear, strong ideas forward on boosting our competitiveness,” Mr Taylor said.

“I strongly encourage as many farmers as possible, as well as local industry leaders, rural councils and businesses connected to the land, to come to the Taskforce meeting in Goulburn. There’ll be a roundtable, as well as one on one meetings. If you can’t make it to Goulburn you are encouraged to send in a submission,” he said.

To make an appointment to see the Taskforce in Goulburn on 13 March please phone 02 6271 6272 or email agricultural.competitiveness@pmc.gov.au.

To make a submission to the Government’s White Paper on Agricultural Competitiveness visit www.agriculturalcompetitiveness.dpmc.gov.au. Submissions are due by 5pm, 17 April 2014.