The announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce of an upcoming
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) inquiry into the national
dairy industry is good for the industry and good for Australian consumers.
National’s Senator for Victoria, Senator Bridget McKenzie, who attended the Dairy
Symposium in Melbourne today said the move was enthusiastically endorsed by the
producers, processors and others from the 20,000 strong industry today.
“The Symposium was an example of the federal government providing leadership by
getting all facets of the industry together to avoid price reductions late in the
season don't happen again.
“Of the 20,000 who work in dairying there are 4500 direct farmers who have been
badly affected by the recent milk price issue.
“The ACCC inquiry will improve transparency for farmers and uncover inefficiencies
and inequities in the current system,” Senator McKenzie said.
The ACCC Inquiry which will begin in November, will investigate sharing of risk
along the supply chain, supply agreements and contracts, competition,
bargaining and trading practices in the industry and the effect of world and
retail prices on profitability.
“Dairying is such a significant issue for our state, this inquiry is vital for its future
wellbeing and viability.
“Local producers must get a fair return at the farm gate as well as transparency in
milk price arrangements and supply contracts,” Senator McKenzie said.
Further information and the ACCC inquiry Terms
of Reference is available at:
http://accc.gov.au/about-us/information-for/agriculture
25 August 2016