Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is very pleased to announce the appointment of Mr David Inall as the incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Australia’s peak dairy farm body.

With a strong background working with industry and government on strategic policy matters, including animal welfare and sustainability, Mr Inall comes into the role after four years as the Senior Vice-President of United Egg Producers based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

Mr Inall has a Bachelor in agricultural science from the University of Western Sydney and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

ADF Interim CEO Mr John McQueen, who took on the role as a short-term replacement, will continue in the position until Mr Inall commences in early July 2017.

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Bernadette Marr, Media and Communications Manager

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E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is seeking assurances that there will not be any changes to the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement, under the new visa arrangements announced yesterday.

Interim ADF CEO, John McQueen said access to skilled workers was essential to the continued growth and productivity of the dairy industry, yet there is still a critical shortage of skilled dairy farm workers.

“The dairy industry relies on skilled migration to bolster its workforce and help our farmers with critical labour shortages.”

“Our preference is always to hire Australian workers, but there are not enough experienced workers to meet the demand.”

“Many dairy employers rely on skilled overseas workers to fill core on-farm roles due to the lack of available local labour”, said Mr McQueen.

Under the template agreement finalised with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection on 17 July 2015, dairy farmers can recruit skilled senior farmhands from overseas on 457 visas, as well as farm managers.

The dairy industry has been investing heavily in recruitment, training and retention programs since 2006, and will continue to do – being able to recruit overseas is just another option for farmers to meet demand in the short to medium term.

“We are concerned that instead of addressing farmers worries and streamlining the application process, the Government’s changes could mean more red tape by placing an even greater administrative burden on farmers,” said Mr McQueen.

Mr McQueen said more detail on the Government’s new visa program was required and ADF will be consulting Government on the changes.

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Bernadette Marr, Media and Communications Manager

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E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) welcomes the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council’s agreed terms of reference for an independent analysis of socio-economic impacts of the Plan in the southern Basin. This is the sensible outcome we have been pushing for.

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is pleased to announce a revised 2017 routine calving induction* limit of a maximum of 12 per cent of cows in a herd, down from the 15 per cent target set in 2016.

Interim ADF CEO, John McQueen said the revised routine calving induction target is great news for the industry.

The new target was set after reviewing 2016 induction data and following consultation with dairy farmers, vets and processors through the Calving Induction Steering Group, the Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) Animal Health and Welfare Policy Advisory Group, the ADF National Council, ADF Board and the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Board.

“Farmers are constantly reviewing and improving their practices.

“Dairy farmers are dedicated to providing a high standard of care and to change practices when it is in the best interests of their animals.

“Caring for cows has always been a key priority for ADF and the industry”, said Mr McQueen.

A survey of veterinary practices performing inductions in 2016 confirmed that induction was used in fewer herds and the number of cows induced (0.75% nationally) was almost half the number induced in 2015.

In April 2015, following a series of meetings and consultation with farmers, vets and processors, the dairy industry agreed to phase-out routine calving induction nationally.

“The Australian dairy industry wants to be as proactive as possible on measures to support excellent animal welfare outcomes and to meet the expectations of customers and consumers”, Mr McQueen said.

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Bernadette Marr, Media and Communications Manager

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E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is pleased the Government has announced its intention to make it easier and quicker for farmers to access Farm Household Allowance payments (FHA).

Both ADF and the State Dairy Farming Organisations have been calling for a simplified system and streamlined access and asset valuation through discussions with both the government and relevant departments responsible for the delivery of these programs.

Interim ADF CEO, John McQueen said farmers were frustrated with long delays and need to have faster access to income support payments.

“We have been working closely with the Dairy Industry Liaison Officer to follow up on individual claims.

“Some farmers have reported waiting up to six months for their applications to be assessed and approved”, said Mr McQueen.

It is reported that this will be introduced into parliament today. The legislation means that the two mandatory waiting periods for the FHA would be scrapped and the ‘on farm’ assets test would be expanded.

The Government’s reported intention is to address the issues of water assets and shares in cooperative, necessary for the operation of the farm enterprise.

“These important changes would mean a more accurate definition of farm assets such as water rights, which would make more people eligible for the payment,” Mr McQueen said.

ADF urges that the legislation is passed by both houses in the current sitting to ensure struggling dairy farmers in need can access these programs as soon as possible.

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Bernadette Marr, Media and Communications Manager

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has today welcomed the introduction of the s46 ‘effects test’ legislation 2016 into the Federal Parliament.

ADF President David Basham said the provision, which will be included in section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, will address the current unequal distribution of market power and encourage transparency to the benefit of producers, consumers and retailers.

“This will ensure that supermarkets and firms who enter into contractual arrangements which cause others in the supply chain to be adversely effected will now be captured for the first time by competition law.”

“The effects test is another tool to help provide integrity and transparency regarding the impact of retailer actions on suppliers,” Mr Basham said.

ADF has advocated strongly for this change since 2011 which will assist in preventing damaging practices, including predatory pricing in future.

“The reforms will support consumers’ interests as well as dairy farmers by moving towards a more objective measure to assess the impact of anti-competitive behaviour,” said Mr Basham.

ADF thanked the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, the Treasurer, the Minister for Small Business for their support and action on this important reform.

‘We also want to thank the Queensland Dairy Farmers Organisation and other state dairy farmer organisations for their tireless work in highlighting the issues within industry,” said Mr Basham.

The introduction of an effects test is in line with competition policy around the world – Australia has joined the clear majority of developed nations who already have established effects tests.

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Bernadette Marr, Media and Communications Manager

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has re-elected David Basham as the President of the peak policy body providing collective representation for dairy farmers in Australia.

Bringing over 11 years’ representative experience to the role, the former President of South Australian Dairyfarmers’ Association (SADA) was instrumental in the development of a new brand of fresh milk, SADA Fresh, being sold in one of his state’s major retail supermarkets to generate funds for SA industry development.

David Basham operates a 380-cow dairy farm with his wife, Kate and two daughters. Their property is located in Mount Compass, on the Fleurieu Peninsular in South Australia. David’s family has been milking cows for more than 165 years.

David first took a position on the ADF board from August 2005 to 2012, and re-joined the board in November 2014. David has been the Acting President since May 2016.

Earlier in the day, at the ADF Annual General Meeting, State Members, Business Members and invited guests heard from interim CEO, John McQueen about the year in review.

“We are pleased with the achievements made this year and we look forward to continuing to deliver on our policy priorities to help deliver a more profitable and sustainable industry in the long-term.

It has been an honour to discuss Australian Dairy Farmers’ ongoing efforts and to advocate at a national level on your behalf,” said Mr McQueen.

We would also like to extend our warmest thanks to the outgoing Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Deputy Chair, Robert Poole, for his six years of hard work and to welcome the new ADIC Deputy Chairman, Grant Crothers,” said Mr Basham.

Grant has spent his career in food marketing and manufacturing with a heavy bias toward the dairy industry. He is currently CEO and Managing Director of Burra Foods.

The ADF Board is comprised of four farmer directors David Basham, Simone Jolliffe, Tyran Jones, and Terry Richardson, and one independent director, Dr Deedee Woodside.

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Bernadette Marr, Media and Communications Manager

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E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is calling for an immediate resolution to the backpacker tax.

ADF President David Basham said after 18 months of continued lobbying, the agricultural sector needs a decision that ensures certainty for backpackers and employers.

“The Labor Party promised that the issue would be resolved before the end of this year,” Mr Basham said.

“Compromises have already been put on the table and it is crucial for the industry that this is resolved.

Dairy farmers and small business owners need to know that they will continue to be able to rely on backpackers for vital on-farm and off-farm roles which cannot be filled locally and to complement our existing workforce during peak times,” Mr Basham said.

The impact of months of indecision has been felt across the dairy sector and, for every day this issue remains unresolved, it affects the dairy industry and rural Australia.

“Along with other agricultural sectors, we have consistently said that we believe it is reasonable for backpackers to pay some tax, but the government’s initial proposal was too high,” Mr Basham said.

The decision to reduce the proposed tax rate from 32.5 per cent to 15 per cent tax maintains Australia’s status as a competitive destination for working holiday makers, while ensuring they pay a fair level of tax.

“We believe that backpackers should not pay less tax than those on the seasonal worker program, which is primarily an aid program.

We need the message out there now that backpackers are welcome on our farms and to do this we need a fair tax rate,” said Mr Basham.

Media Contact:

Bernadette Marr, Media and Communications Manager

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Today, Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is speaking at the Senate Economics References Committee inquiry into Australia’s dairy industry after a motion co-sponsored by Senators Jacqui Lambie and Nick Xenophon was passed last month.

ADF President, David Basham said the inquiry offers an opportunity for the industry to lead a collaborative approach to represent all dairy farmers.

“ADF in partnership with our state members, is continuing to fight for farmers and even though we cannot solve all of the issues we are working to relieve some of the pressures dairy farmers are facing”, Mr Basham said.

“Dairy farmers are resilient and realistic – they are used to managing volatility and adapting their budgets to remain sustainable even in tough times.

We need to ensure that an unfair share of risk in the value chain is not taken by the farmer and that recent events in the industry do not happen again”, said Mr Basham.

ADF is pleased to see the Federal Government

Measures proposed by ADF include –

• The development of the Code of Best Practice on contractual agreements
• To ensure that the ACCC review identifies the whole of chain impact on farmers from ongoing issues such as $1 milk and implementing fair contract terms and conditions
• Reinforce the importance of a world dairy commodity pricing index and educational program for farmers to better understand the impacts of the world market price and impact on the domestic market

“Collaboration is key to get us where we need to be, and we rely on all the elements operating effectively. Farmers need processors and processors need farmers – so the solutions require all of us to come together to ensure a positive future”, said Mr Basham.

ADF looks forward to reviewing the final report from the Senate Inquiry on 24 February, 2017. -ends-

Media Contact:

Bernadette Marr, Media and Communications Manager

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

The Senate Economics References y into Australia’s dairy industry was held today in Canberra to investigate solutions to Australia’s dairy crisis.

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) Acting President, David Basham said the senate inquiry, provided an opportunity for ADF to present Senators with possible solutions to protect farmers in the future from the risks that have been exposed by the events of April and May this year.

“This past year, the dairy industry has gone through a difficult time, however, we must remember that we are a resilient industry with a long, sustainable future ahead and our profitability depends greatly on the continued support of the Australian public.

ADF in partnership with our state member organisations have continued to highlight both short term and long terms solutions to relieve some of the pressures faced by our dairy farmers”, said Mr Basham.

Proposed solutions offered to the senate inquiry by ADF include –

• The development of the Code of Best Practice on milk supply contractual agreements to ensure transparency and fairness in milk price arrangements
• To ensure that the ACCC review identifies and investigates sharing risk along the supply chain, supply agreements and contracts, competition, bargaining and trading practices in the industry and the effect of world retail prices on profitability
• Incorporating an effects test to show the impact of anti-competitive behaviour
• The implementation of a world dairy commodity pricing index and educational program for farmers to better understand the impacts of the world market price and impact on the domestic market

“Dairy farmers deserve fair returns at the farm gate, as well as transparency in milk price arrangements and supply contracts.

We urge the industry to work together with government to better balance risk along the dairy supply chain, especially when it comes to managing the effects of volatile world prices.

ADF has continued to advocate on behalf of farmers throughout this difficult period and believe a united vision is the key to achieving positive outcomes going forward”, Mr Basham said.

The final report from the Senate Inquiry will be available on 24 February, 2017.

Media Contact:

Bernadette Marr, Media and Communications Manager

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

The Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID) Water Leadership Forum, today released the final report on the GMID socio-economic impact of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

The report reinforces the socio-economic impacts on the dairy industry, specifically the negative impacts of recovering the 450GL ‘upwater’ and the importance of delivering the full 650 GL in environmental offsets.

Chair of the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Water Taskforce, Daryl Hoey said the report highlighted the negative impacts on economic and social indicators resulting from the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

“The GMID community will be poorer again if any more water is recovered from irrigators, whether through buybacks or on-farm upgrades requiring farmers to transfer entitlement to the environment.

Milk production is down by 26 per cent in the GMID region which is directly linked to less water available under the basin plan.

Dairy resilience will wear thinner and two or more years of insecure water deliveries will drive more dairy farms out of business”, said Mr Hoey.

ADF agrees that the government needs to redirect the $1.5 billion earmarked for the Commonwealth On-Farm Further Irrigation Efficiency (COFFIE) program into works and measures to achieve similar or better environmental outcomes, and farm upgrade incentives so water saving remains on-farm.

“What we would like to see is the development for a regional economic development plan to attract new dairy investment to the GMID and retain the HRWS in the region”, said Mr Hoey.

The summit brought together community, industry and government representative concerned about dry conditions, low water allocations, rising water prices, the Murray-Darling Basin Plan’s socio- economic effects, and the GMID’s long-term viability. A working group was formed and commissioned RMCG to prepare this socio-economic impact assessment.

Media Contact:

Bernadette Marr, Media and Communications Manager

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au