Cutting red tape for farm businesses

The Coalition Government today released its response to the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into the Regulation of Australian Agriculture.

 

Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said the Government was cutting unnecessary red tape for farmers.

 

“We want to reduce red tape so farm businesses can create wealth and jobs in our regional communities,” Minister Littleproud said.

 

“The report covers what all governments can do to cut red tape and we have already saved more than $125 million in red tape across agriculture.

 

“There are more opportunities to cut red tape in land use, water, animal welfare, agricultural and veterinary chemicals, biosecurity, transport, labour, competition and exports. 

 

“The government will not relax screening thresholds for foreign ownership of our farmland and agribusinesses as suggested in the report.

 

“We’ve struck the right balance – we’re protecting the national interest and attracting foreign investment.

 

“Many of the report’s findings are already well underway—both at Commonwealth and state level.

 

“A good example is the recent independent review of how the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act applies to farmers and how to improve the regulations.

 

“People work hard on the land and we don’t want them drowning in paperwork too.

 

“We will continue to work closely with all governments to improve regulation and push for better outcomes for farmers, business and communities.”

 

A copy of the report and the full response is available at http://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/reporting/obligations/government-responses/regulation-australian-agriculture