Abstract: Morris

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Abstract

The Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper

Paul Morris
First Assistant Secretary, Agricultural Competitiveness Taskforce, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

The Government has committed to developing a White Paper on the Competitiveness of the Agriculture Sector. The White Paper will drive the long-term agricultural policies of the Government and ensure Australia’s agriculture sector remains a significant contributor to the economy.

The White Paper terms of reference include improving farm gate returns, farm debt and access to finance, supply chain competitiveness, investment, job creation, infrastructure, skills and training, research and development, regulatory effectiveness, market access and food security. The White Paper will also consider drought support measures as part of the Government’s commitment to review the adequacy of current support.

The White Paper process is being developed in three stages: an issues paper, a Green Paper and the final White Paper. It is being developed from the ground up through extensive public consultation. The first round of consultations was held throughout February, March and April 2014 following the release of the issues paper on 6 February. The process included one-on-one and roundtable meetings in 34 regional and metropolitan centres across Australia with about 950 people. This included farmers, processors, retailers, traders, researchers, financiers, representative bodies, government agencies, state and territory Agriculture Ministers, and many others. 675 written submissions were received on the issues paper.

This session will discuss progress on the development of the White Paper and give feedback on key stakeholder messages received to date from across Australia.