POLITICAL PARTIES-INDEPENDENTS RESPOND TO GPA ELECTION PRIORITIES

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) acknowledges Labor and the Coalition for providing detailed responses with various positive commitments, made to GPA’s 2025 Federal Election Policy Priorities. 

GPA’s Priorities present great opportunities to back Australian grain producers, and invest in the delivery of multiple shared benefits derived from the $32 billion grain sector’s increased productivity and growth. 

These shared beneficiaries extend far beyond farm-gates, throughout rural and regional communities, and continue across the Australian grains industry, the environment and national economy. 

After releasing this year’s priority list, building on those advocated for at the 2022 election and since, GPA wrote to each of the major political parties, minor parties and independents, seeking their responses. 

Their replies are now posted on GPA’s website HERE to encourage informed debate and knowledge-sharing on this policy roadmap, to strengthen future economic prosperity, in the next term of government.  

“GPA thanks and acknowledges all contributors for taking time to consider GPA’s 2025 election policy priorities and responding with various commitments, to support not only Australian grain producers and industry, but backing agriculture and rural communities,” GPA Chair Barry Large said. 

“GPA encourages everyone to now take the time to read these responses, to help inform their thinking – not only on how to vote tomorrow, but to also understand commitments made to GPA’s policy priorities. 

“Shaping a better future for Australian grain producers will help deliver a stronger nation; especially boosting economy growth and productivity in key areas such as grain trading and export markets.” 

Mr Large said GPA also acknowledged the shared commitments provided on key policy priorities and investments, to help strengthen economic prosperity and wellbeing; especially stronger biosecurity protections, optimising value/returns of grains levies, and better access to agricultural pesticides. 

“More than anything else, farmers I’ve spoken to are concerned about record high input costs,” he said. 

“That’s why we recognise the commitments made to GPA’s election policy priorities, such as the Coalition’s move to halve the fuel excise for 12 months – delivering a saving of 25.4 cents per litre on petrol and diesel. And to retain the diesel fuel rebate used by farmers, miners and the road transport industry. 

“And Labor’s recognition of the important role these fuel tax credits play and that ‘fuel used as a business input is not subject to taxation’, in stating their position on this matter remains unchanged. 

“We also recognise Labor’s $3.5 million commitment HERE to develop a future national food security strategy: ‘Feeding Australia’ – if re-elected. This includes establishing a National Food Council, to advise on the plan’s development and implementation, and to investigate the potential for a domestic biofuels feedstock industry: ‘to support Australia’s transition to net zero’.” 

GPA also acknowledged Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, and Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud MP, for their input into responses. 

GPA Chief Executive, Colin Bettles, welcomed feedback provided on GPA’s Federal Election Policy Priorities, from major parties, and other important voices, such as independent Indi MP Helen Haines. 

He said Ms Haines was a strong and influential voice, speaking up for Australian farmers on the biosecurity levy/tax, having engaged with GPA and local farmers in her Victorian regional electorate, to scrutinise the proposed policy on merits, and subsequently understand core policy principles and adverse impacts. 

“At this time, on the verge of another federal election being held tomorrow, it’s vitally important to reflect on Ms Haine’s comments, made during the lower house debate on the biosecurity tax, which GPA valued and included in our submission to the Senate inquiry conducted on this matter,” he said. HERE 

“You can't get good policy without good consultation and, when in government, you must gain the trust of the people that will be impacted by your policy or your levy.” 

GPA Deputy Chair, Matthew Madden, said GPA’s proactive, positive engagement with all members of parliament on these policy priorities for Australian grain producers, would continue post-election. 

“GPA will continue working, as we’ve always done, to seek bipartisan support and genuine commitments to optimise potential value and returns for growers, and delivery of these shared benefits,” he said. 

“This is not only good for growers – it’s good for the nation’s future, our rural communities and economy.” 

Mr Bettles said GPA would continue working to implement a unified and cohesive pathway for grain producer representation and much-needed, proactive reforms, which can optimise future productivity growth and the delivery of shared benefits. 

“Best of luck to all candidates tomorrow, on election day, and we look forward to collaborating with whoever is in government, to continue our work for growers and support for our policy priorities,” he said. 

“We also look forward to showcasing the Australian grain industry’s economic strength and contribution to our nation, in a unified event, co-hosted with the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers, as we did successfully in the 47th Parliament. HERE 

ENDS 

Further Information: 

GPA Chair Barry Large: 0427 549 023 

GPA Deputy Chair Matthew Madden: 0457 731 210 

GPA Chief Executive Colin Bettles: 0439 901 970