Candidates from the federal electorate of Mayo answer questions posed to them by Stock Journal in this week’s election coverage. Candidates for Mayo include Liberal Jamie Briggs, Labor’s Glen Dallimore, NXT’s Rebekha Sharkie, and Family First’s Bruce Hicks.
What is the most critical issue for SA agriculture, and how will you tackle it?
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BRIGGS: Only the Coalition can ensure SA’s agricultural sector remains strong. The Coalition has delivered a $4billion Agriculture White Paper that supports jobs and growth in our regions, drives export opportunities for agricultural businesses and encourages investment and innovation to ensure Australia remains a globally competitive agriculture producer.
DALLIMORE: A critical issue for agriculture in our community is access to much-needed infrastructure to assist in the setting up, running and productivity of agribusinesses. The rapidly changing demands of local, regional, national and international markets require access to affordable high speed internet, transport and supply infrastructure and reliable long-term crop and climate prediction specialists.
SHARKIE: We need to ensure, as an industry, it is attractive for young people to enter primary production. We need to ensure there are entry points for young people to build primary production business, they are rewarded for their work and have the ability to farm in the future. This, importantly, includes the ability to access water.
HICKS: We must restore SA farmers’ right to farm. Farmers need protection from civil liability and changes to their land rights, which are diminished by local, state and federal government regulation.
Is enough being done to help farmers in times of crisis such as drought or price cuts?
BRIGGS: The Coalition is providing a long-term drought policy with $2.5b in concessional loans available in the next 10 years, as well as a commitment to the Farm Household Allowance. The Coalition’s investment in agricultural research and development will drive productivity gains and increase farm profitability, encourage investment in agriculture by delivering small business tax cuts, accelerated depreciation for water reticulation, fencing and fodder storage and strengthening farm management deposits.
SHARKIE: I would argue there is not enough being done to support farmers during times of crisis. In my region there is a lack of health and mental health and support services for our communities, which affects not just those in primary production but the wider community. I am calling for a Headspace in the Mayo region and to reverse the planned cuts that will occur from the changes to the General Practice Rural Incentives Program.
HICKS: Family First supports the $500 million assistance package in low-interest loans for farmers affected by the milk price war, through something like drought assistance. Family First fought against the Coles and Woolworths’ milk price war and were closely involved in the SA Dairyfarmers Association launching SADA Fresh milk.
What are your views on foreign investment and mining on prime farming land in your electorate?
BRIGGS: The Coalition has introduced lower thresholds for Foreign Investment Review Board scrutiny of proposed foreign purchases of farmland and agribusinesses. It is appropriate that significant investment proposals in farming land and agribusiness be reviewed to ensure sales are in the national interest.
DALLIMORE: Foreign investment in Australia has and will always be vital to Australian trade. But, it should never be to the detriment of Australian interests and its population. Mining in any part of Australia needs to be carefully considered, particularly in regard to the effects of mining activity on agricultural land. Extensive and thorough consultation of all parties involved needs to take place.
SHARKIE: The entire Mayo region is high quality farm land. SA’s agricultural industry has been overshadowed by mining. In 2015 just 12,700 SA people were employed in the mining industry, compared to 40,800 in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industries. The majority of people were employed in agricultural primary production. We need to support primary production – it’s the most renewable form of industry.
HICKS: Family First state MLC Rob Brokenshire is introducing Mining Act amendments to make sure farmers’ rights are respected. We’ve gone from farmers owning everything underneath them to miners dictating terms – the balance needs to be restored.
Greens’ Nathan Daniell was contacted for comment, but was unable to respond prior to Stock Journal’s deadlines.
