QFF TO WORK WITH GILLARD GOVERNMENT

The Queensland Farmers’ Federation is keen to continue a strong working relationship with the new Gillard-led minority government announced yesterday.
QFF President Gary Sansom said that now Julia Gillard had formed a minority government with the support of regional MPs Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott, the focus needed to immediately turn to policies.
“The new government needs to get on with implementing the positive policies announced during the campaign, and revisit others that need improvement to see the best outcomes for the rural sector,” Mr Sansom said.
“QFF will be writing to Julia Gillard and her new Cabinet to outline our stance on key policies announced during the campaign.”
He said Queensland farmers would be holding the new government to its promise to buy any water for the Murray Darling Basin from willing sellers to meet any cutbacks in the Basin Plan.
“The guide to the Basin Plan comes out on October 8. This will be the first acid test for the new government when it comes to rural Australia.
“There is a dire need here to ensure that rural communities are protected from the socioeconomic impact of permanently removing irrigators’ water entitlement.
“The Labor Party also promised in the campaign to fix the evaporation problems at the Menindee Lakes and the sooner that happens the better.”
Mr Sansom added that farmers would be looking for leadership on research and development, food policy and strategy, implementation of drought reform, climate change policy, biosecurity, and protecting farmland against destructive resource development.
“Positive reform is vital. It is important that the Gillard government implement a positive agenda for the bush, and not use its slim minority in the House of Reps as an excuse to back away from tough decisions.”