LNP on top of AgForce scorecard

LNP received 13 stars out of 20, followed by One Nation (11.5), Katter’s Australian Party (10.5), the ALP (8), and The Greens (5.5). 

The Labor Party scored below average in three of four categories.

The LNP, ALP, One Nation, KAP, and The Greens were all invited to respond to questions covering four policy areas.

Labor was the only party that failed to respond. 

Speaking at a National Ag Day function in Rockhampton on Tuesday, AgForce president Grant Maudsley said that was ‘disappointing’ given the ALP had made some election announcements around agriculture. 

“It’s actually very disappointing, you would have thought considering the rap over the knuckles the parties have had in the last 12 months that they would take the opportunity to talk through with us on these issues but they didn’t respond to us – that’s their call,” he said. 

The four policy areas the scorecard looked were supporting rural families; healthy environments; growing agriculture and enhancing profitability; and connecting Queensland. 

The scorecard (above) shows a rank out of five for each category.  

Mr Maudsley said while both Labor and the LNP committed to Bruce Highway upgrades and more wild dog exclusion fencing, the Katter’s Australian Party and One Nation also pledged to support agricultural growth with improved water access, dams, and better roads. 

Vegetation management is still the biggest agricultural issue heading into the election on Saturday, AgForce noted. Vegetation management fell under the healthy environments rating, where Labor received 1.5 stars, and The Greens 2, while KAP went home with 2.5, One Nation with 3, and the LNP with 3.5. 

Labor’s plan to re-introduce the vegetation management laws voted down in Parliament earlier this year negatively impacted their score, along with their Pristine Rivers legislation. However, AgForce noted that Labor’s proposed Land Restoration Fund could deliver benefit to agriculture.