Before and throughout this state election, QFF articulated to political parties and prospective candidates what matters to the intensive agricultural sector and what Queensland farmers expect. The policy platform outlined the 10 major areas of policy action needed to realise our vision for a vibrant and thriving agricultural sector providing food, fibre and amenity to all Queenslanders.
With election day fast approaching, voters will be inundated with the views of many ‘expert analysts’ about who to vote for and why. What all voters should remember is that during election campaigns it is easy for subjective policy commitments to be made, which may never be delivered. For example, it is easier for minor parties to put forward certain positions knowing that they will not be in control of the Treasury purse strings and have to find the money to pay for every commitment.
Voters should also remember that policy commitments are often just a position or an intent to do something about an issue, not necessarily how it will be achieved in practice. It is therefore encouraging that both major parties have committed to formalising more inclusive ministerial forums to address multi-dimensional and cross-portfolio agricultural issues – Labor through the Agricultural Ministerial Advisory Council (AgMac); the LNP through the Agricultural Cabinet Committee and the Agriculture Energy and Water Council. QFF has advocated for these arrangements for a long time, and will be committed to ensuring they deliver real outcomes for farmers.
While universal adoption of QFF’s 10 major policy areas has not been achieved, it has been encouraging to see all parties take up at least some areas. Electricity, water and the energy/water/productivity nexus are three ‘musts’ for the QFF group this election. A more detailed analysis of each party’s response to these critical issues is available on the website at http://qff.org.au/queensland-election/. Below are some highlights from each of the parties across the remaining seven major policy areas needing action.
The LNP has committed to delivering connection infrastructure such as rail, major arterial/regional road upgrades and telecommunication blackspot funding; increased biosecurity funding and an annual stocktake to better target spending; pest and weed management funding; working with QFF to abolish stamp duty on agricultural insurance; and has a clear and stable position on vegetation management.
The Labor party has committed to funding projects that will continue to help our sector address issues around future jobs and skills needs; working with QFF to abolish stamp duty on agricultural insurance; major arterial road upgrades; coordinating and opening more export opportunities; and grants to assist farmers adopt on-farm energy efficiencies.
One Nation and the KAP policies have highlighted the importance of the regions and agriculture. While most policy areas lack depth, the principled approaches offer potential if properly implemented (which reinforces the importance of meaningful cross-portfolio ministerial forums for industry).
The Greens have committed to addressing the sector’s future workforce requirements; new initiatives on biosecurity; greater protections for prime agricultural land; and greater risk management preparedness and support.
Before Saturday, QFF strongly encourages anyone with an interest in agriculture, and after what was highlighted through National Ag Day this week that should be everyone, to look at the policy commitments put forward by all parties and critically think about what’s realistic and what will make a positive difference to our sector. Remember, a thriving and vibrant agriculture sector is not just good for farmers – it is good for everyone.
