Farmers are disappointed by the lack of political focus on the agricultural sector during the federal campaign.
On Monday, the National Federation of Farmers released a report card on how the policies of major political parties are stacking up for their members compared to their own election manifesto.
CEO Tony Mahal said the farmers had “hits and mistakes.”
“There is a slightly more complicated issue in terms of what the parties have promised.
“I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t focus specifically on agriculture or rural or local communities.”
Recognizing and rewarding farmers’ land management is a subject that is overlooked by both key parties, he said. And while much has been said about climate change, policies are still lacking, Mahal added.
The federation hopes to spend $ 2 billion over the next four years to help implement Australia’s agricultural sustainability framework and expand schemes such as carbon and biodiversity programs.
Mahal told AAP that while the campaign focused on the cost of living for politicians, it did not pay enough attention to the rising cost of input paid by farmers.
“Everyone talks about rising food prices, but they don’t mention the costs farmers incur to produce that food and fiber.”
Federal President Fiona Simson says the report card was edited prior to Saturday’s federal elections based on the five priorities of the agricultural group.
“We … gave them an indicator of where we think they are more in line with our policy, or less in line with or against our policy. “
These equivalent benchmarks include the provision of agricultural visas to support the labor force in the sector and the political position on the export of live sheep.
The federation has discussed with farmers, industry and local voters what to expect from the next government.
Their manifesto addresses labor shortages, the crossroads of agriculture and climate change, biosecurity funding, connectivity, regional growth and competition law.
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Australian Associated Press is an Australian news agency.