A simple scorecard released by Livestock SA should help those in the industry make their vote count in the upcoming election.
Last month it released a position paper with a wishlist on transport, natural resources management, water security, finding a balance between mining and agriculture, biosecurity and more dollars for ag research.
The three major parties have been scored out of 30 on how their policies stack up in these key areas and their capacity to deliver them for the future growth of the sector.
The Liberals were the top performers at 22 with Labor on 18 and SA Best 16.
Livestock SA chief executive officer Andrew Curtis says many of SA Best’s policies aligned well but he believes their ability to deliver will be limited.
He says it is pleasing all parties have shown some level of commitment to continuing funding SARDI and ensuring PIRSA remains a “standalone” organisation – although there were no proposed budget figures.
One of the areas of greatest divergence was NRM, with Labor sticking to its present system, which Mr Curtis says its members are dissatisfied with.
“The Liberals and SA Best have recognised the NRM structure needs changing and the need for more action in the regions on the ground rather than funding to a central bureaucracy,” he said.
But on transport, Mr Curtis said the state government had the “runs on the board”, scoring well for the strong partnership between PPSA, PIRSA and Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, which has delivered many wins.
He says there have been good face-to-face meetings in the election campaign but is frustrated the sheep and beef sectors, which support more than 30,000 jobs, continue to compete with city-based pledges such as the proposed Norwood tram extension.
“We acknowledge to a large extent this election will be decided in Adelaide and the peri-urban seats so that is where the debate is but the benefits from the livestock industry do not just reside in the regions,” Mr Curtis said.
“It flows from local butchers right through. Part of the ongoing challenge for us is to show the livestock industry is of importance for all South Australians.”
Livestock SA is still awaiting a formal response from the Australian Conservatives.
