GPA QUESTIONS IMPACT OF PROPOSED EXPORT COST RECOVERY

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) has raised early concerns following reports that the federal government is considering changes to export cost recovery arrangements that could increase regulatory costs for agricultural exporters.

GPA Chair Barry Large said the grains industry had not yet received detailed information beyond what has been reported publicly and would be closely examining any material released through the formal consultation process next year.

“At this stage, we do not have any detail beyond what has been reported publicly,” Mr Large said.

“We will be putting the information provided to us as part of the consultation next year under serious scrutiny.”

Mr Large said Australian grain producers were already operating in a tight margin environment, despite strong export performance, and any move that increased costs warranted careful consideration.

“The grains industry is in the black, but that does not mean growers have capacity to absorb additional costs,” he said.

“A move like this, which could scrape costs off profit margins that growers work hard to gain, is a real concern for our sector.”

GPA said it looked forward to reviewing the proposed arrangements once detailed information was released and engaging constructively in the consultation process.

“We look forward to seeing and understanding the information in print,” Mr Large said.

ENDS

Further information:

GPA Chair Barry Large: 0427 549 023