Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is pleased that dairy has been included in the expansion of the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP).

ADF President Simone Jolliffe said that seasonal workers will now be able to assist dairy farmers during busy periods when local workers are not available.

“We are strongly supportive of initiatives that improve the industry’s access to overseas labour and ADF has been advocating for dairy to be included on the SWP for some time,” Mrs Jolliffe said.

“The dairy industry’s most valuable asset is the people who work in it and our first preference is always to hire Australian workers. However, despite ongoing investment in education and training, the industry is suffering a labour shortage.

“We need overseas workers for vital on-farm roles which cannot be filled locally.”

The dairy industry has a strong track record of contributing to communities in regional Australia and it is eager to similarly make contributions to communities in neighbouring countries in the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

“We congratulate Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce and Minister for Employment Michaelia Cash on this important announcement,” Mrs Jolliffe said.

“It is fantastic to see ADF’s lobbying efforts come to fruition. We will continue to advocate for programs which make it easier for dairy farmers to employ overseas workers who strengthen rural communities when local employees are not available.”

The SWP provides approved employers with access to seasonal workers from Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste for up to six months and up to nine months for workers recruited from Kiribati, Nauru or Tuvalu.

More information on the expansion of the Seasonal Worker Programme can be found here: http://www.employment.gov.au/news/australian-government-expands-seasonal-worker- programme-further-agricultural-sector

Media Contact:

Sarah Chahine, Communications Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has welcomed support from the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, the Hon. Barnaby Joyce, for changes to the dairy industry levy poll process.

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has continued calls for the Federal Cabinet to adopt stronger misuse of market power laws to foster a more competitive business environment.

January 26, 2016 marks five years since Coles’ supermarket dropped the price of its home brand milk to $1 per litre, igniting a price war with Woolworths that reduced the value of milk to an unsustainable level.

ADF President, Simone Jolliffe said there have been important breakthroughs for competition policy since 2011.

“The introduction of the Food and Grocery Code, which included a large number of ADF’s recommendations, was a constructive first step toward fostering a more competitive business environment.

Further to this the Australian Government’s support for key recommendations from the Harper Review of Competition Policy is extremely positive,” Mrs Jolliffe said.

“ADF also welcomed the announcement in the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper of $11.4 million over four years to boost the ACCC’s engagement with the agriculture sector including a new Agricultural Engagement Unit.”

However, Mrs Jolliffe said the industry would continue to advocate for improved transparency regarding the impact of retailer actions on suppliers. ADF also continues to advocate for the regulating bodies to have the power to prevent predatory pricing in future.

“ADF also strongly supports the Harper Review’s recommendations for any updated competition and consumer law to include an effects test,” Mrs Jolliffe said.

“Addressing the misuse of market power is crucial in determining the Australian dairy industry’s future profitability and sustainability.”

Mrs Jolliffe encouraged consumers seeking to show their support for farmers to “buy branded”.

“The more branded milk we buy the more money stays in our dairy value chain. By keeping these dollars in the value chain dairy has the capacity to reinvest in industry research and innovation – which helps to strengthen our farmers, improving their efficiency and prospects of long term sustainability.

“Farmers need every opportunity to improve their negotiating power for profitability and returns at the farm-gate to be achieved.”

Media Contact:

Adele Beasley, Policy Officer

T: (03) 8621 4200

E: abeasley@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has welcomed a historic partnership between the Victorian State Government and Dairy Australia who will together invest $45 million in a new research initiative, DairyBio. DairyBio will deliver innovation for pasture and herd productivity research crucial to a profitable future for the dairy industry.

ADF President, Simone Jolliffe said the investment recognises the pivotal role that dairy plays in Victoria’s economy as well as rural communities across the State.

“DairyBio is a win for the dairy industry, particularly farmers. Encouraging uptake of innovative technologies is a challenge in an environment where on farm input costs continue to go up. Shared government and industry investment in research, development and extension (R, D& E) is critical to our success,” Mrs Jolliffe said.

“This partnership is an exciting co-investment in forage and genomic research, development and extension crucial to a strong, profitable future for the dairy industry.”

Building on dairy bioscience developments achieved by the Dairy Futures Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), this initiative ensures the excellent work being conducted by scientists at the AgriBio facility at Bundoora will continue for the benefit of the dairy industry.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has acknowledged the result of voting on the Dairy Levy Poll Process Review, with the majority of voters in favour of the recommended changes.

“The essential question for levy payers was whether they believed we should opt for a levy poll only when a change in the levy was being sought,” said ADF President, Simone Jolliffe.

“Every Australian dairy levy payer has been contacted through this consultation. Levy payers have been provided opportunity to comment and to vote for or against the recommendations of the review. The most significant recommendation is that a levy poll should only be held if a change to the levy is proposed.

“The response from dairy levy payers including through the vote, which closed on Friday 27 November, provides a strong signal that dairy farmers believe the industry should make the changes to the levy poll process.”

Should the changes be implemented, if farmers believe a poll is necessary, there is a failsafe mechanism for a group of levy payers representing at least 15% of levy votes to propose at a Dairy Australia general meeting, that a poll be held.

The levy payer consultation included a vote that drew 24.70% of votes, with 89.95% voting in support of the recommended changes.

“Against the benchmark of a shareholder vote, the consultation and voter turnout for this review demonstrates strong engagement and support by levy payers,” Mrs Jolliffe said.

Mrs Jolliffe said the Federal Government would now be advised of the outcomes of the three month consultation process.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has elected Simone Jolliffe as the peak advocacy and lobby group’s incoming President.

Simone Jolliffe brings over a decade of representational experience to her new role. Mrs Jolliffe has worked with ADF and member organisations on various activities and was appointed as a Business Director of ADF in January 2014.

Outgoing ADF President, Noel Campbell announced in July 2015 that he would retire at the end of his term and therefore did not seek re-election.

Mrs Jolliffe paid tribute to Noel Campbell as outgoing ADF President, pledging her commitment to drive policies with a unity of purpose across agriculture and close engagement with the broader community going forward.

“On behalf of ADF I would like to thank Noel for his tireless contribution to ADF as well as the industry more broadly over the years, and for his strong commitment to dairy,” Mrs Jolliffe said. “We are a stronger organisation for his involvement.”

As well as her strong representational experience, Mrs Jolliffe has been actively engaged with research, development and extension programs on both a state and national level. She has previously held the position of Deputy Chair on the Board of Dairy NSW and was recently appointed Chair of the Herd Improvement Industry Strategic Steering Group.

Simone is passionate about supporting farmers’ at the grassroots. She has a strong community leadership base having been a part of the Young Cattleman’s Union, as well as the Murrumbidgee Holstein Branch, Possum’s Daycare and Rainbow Preschool Management committees, and North Wagga Public School’s Parents and Citizens Association.

Earlier in the day, at the ADF Annual General Meeting Victorian dairy farmer, Terry Richardson was appointed by ADF’s Business Members as an ADF Business Director. The appointment of Dr Deedee Woodside, as Independent Director was also ratified.

State Members, Business Members and invited guests heard from outgoing President, Noel Campbell and Ben Stapley, ADF’s CEO about the year in review. Mr Campbell welcomed the new directors, and thanked outgoing ADF Independent Director, Dr Anne Astin for her years of dedicated service to ADF.

“Anne has served the dairy industry in one way or another for over 30 years, and she remains one of our most passionate advocates,” Mr Campbell said. “Anne’s time and expertise has helped ADF to grow and strengthen its operations. We wish Anne every success in future.”

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

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has acknowledged the Government’s response to the Harper Review announced on Tuesday 24 November as a positive move toward strengthening the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

ADF President, Noel Campbell recognised the Government’s support for key recommendations in the review as an acknowledgement of the peak body’s advocacy on behalf of dairy farmers.

“We are pleased to see support for the proposed changes to collective bargaining,” Mr Campbell said.

“These reforms will help improve farmers negotiating powers, and will contribute to fostering a more competitive business environment in future.”

ADF expressed disappointment that reform recommended by the Harper Review to section 46 of the Act, dealing with the misuse of market power has been delayed. However, the Government’s announcement to undertake further public consultation into s46 was welcome.

ADF strongly supports the Harper Review’s recommendations for any updated competition and consumer law to include an effects test.

“We will continue to advocate for improved transparency regarding the impact of retailer actions on suppliers, and for the regulating bodies to have the power to prevent potentially damaging situations such as retailer predatory pricing in future,” Mr Campbell said.

“ADF is advocating for certainty that the legal process is able to provide integrity and transparency regarding the impact of retailer actions on suppliers. We are hopeful that this will prevent damaging practices, including predatory pricing in future.”

Mr Campbell also noted the Government’s support for recommendation 53 of the review, which refers to small business access to remedies. This mechanism will make dispute resolution in the Federal Court more accessible to suppliers.

ADF looks forward to an ongoing and constructive dialogue with Government to deliver tangible outcomes with regards to competition policy for the farm sector.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

With voting only open for one more week on the Dairy Levy Poll process review, Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is urging dairy levy payers to vote now, to ensure their views are heard.

ADF President Noel Campbell called for all levy payers to submit their vote.

“It is crucial levy payers vote as we want to make sure what is proposed to Federal Government is a true representation of their views,” Mr Campbell said.

“Voting will remain open until midday (AEDT) on Friday 27 November so I urge all dairy farmers get voting.”

“We’ve consulted with dairy farmers across Australia and it’s clear that they believe the industry should make the changes to the levy poll process, not least for the time and money saved as a result.”

Voting papers have been sent to farmers, asking them to vote Yes or No to changes which if supported with a Yes vote, will see a Levy Poll held only when a change to the levy or its procedures is proposed.

Once the changes are implemented a “failsafe” mechanism will be available for farmers to initiate a poll if they believe it is necessary.

Mr Campbell emphasised that under the changes Dairy Australia will still be required to undergo an independent performance review at least every five years. This will inform an independent committee of industry representatives on whether a levy poll is required.

The Dairy Levy Poll process review vote can be completed by post, email, fax or online at

http://www.computershare.com.au/dairylevy2015

For further information regarding the Dairy Levy Poll process review, voting options and details on how to vote visit www.dairylevypollreview.com.au.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) joined the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers in Canberra today to recognise the nation’s high quality, diverse produce at Parliament House.

A vast array of seasonal produce was on offer in the courtyards of Parliament House, where over 150 key parliamentarians were provided with insights about the range of food and fibre produced across Australia, and the hard working farmers who produce it. In collaboration with Dairy Australia, ADF provided a range of Australian Grand Dairy Award winning cheeses, as well as Sharma’s Kitchen flavoured milk.

As a $13 billion farm, processing and export industry, Australian dairy is Australia’s number one value-adding agricultural industry. It generates almost $3 billion in exports, and puts a range of quality dairy products in nine out of ten Aussie homes every day.

More than 39,000 people are directly employed on dairy farms and throughout the processing sector, and a further 100,000 Australians rely on dairy for their livelihoods, including veterinarians, scientists, mechanics, financial advisers and feed suppliers.

“With every block of cheese, tub of yoghurt and bottle of infant formula we aim to be more prosperous, trusted and world renowned for our nutrition than ever before,” Mr Campbell said.

“Today is about helping our key decision makers understand the value our industry delivers to Australian businesses, families and communities, and highlighting how decisions made in Canberra affect our capacity to produce. We look forward to continuing these conversations to ensure a more sustainable, profitable future for Australian dairy.”

ADF acknowledged the effort of the NFF who helped bring the Australian Parliament Farmers’ Market to Canberra, and extended its thanks to the Co-convenors of the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP and Nola Marino MP, together with GrainGrowers Limited, for assisting with the organisation of this event.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Voting to change the Dairy Levy Poll Process has opened and Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is encouraging all farmers to have their say.

The dairy industry’s peak policy and advocacy group ADF urged dairy farmers to vote yes on their ballot papers, which were mailed this week to all dairy levy payers.

ADF President, Noel Campbell said levy payers need to make their views clear to the Federal Government.

“Voting yes means a Levy Poll would only be held when a change to the levy or its procedures is proposed. In short, no change, no Levy Poll,” he said.

“After the last poll in 2012, the clear message from dairy farmers was that the efforts and funds dedicated towards the poll process could have been better spent delivering dollar value to dairy farmers. The change makes complete sense, saving at least $750 000 that will be redirected to industry programs.”

Mr Campbell said dairy farmers were making it clear in regional meetings across Australia that the industry should make the change.

“We want the Federal Government to be confident that’s the view of levy payers, and this vote will help show dairy farmers’ views” he said.

Mr Campbell reiterated that a yes vote would not remove Dairy Australia from scrutiny. Dairy Australia will still be required to undergo an independent performance review at least every five years, which will then inform an independent committee of industry representatives on whether or not a levy poll is required.

If farmers believe a poll is necessary, there is a failsafe mechanism for a group of levy payers representing at least 15 per cent of levy votes to propose a poll.

The Dairy Levy Poll Process ballot can be completed by post, email, fax or online at www.computershare.com.au/dairylevy2015 Voting will remain open until midday (AEDT) Friday 27 November.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV) and the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) are calling on Federal Parliament to heed messages from the Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Ma Zhaouxu, and ensure the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) does not “slip through our fingers”.

ADF, UDV and the VFF have welcomed Mr Zhaouxu’s comments, which recognised that “the sooner ChAFTA comes into force, the quicker it will benefit producers and consumers in both countries.”

The timely warning came as the peak farm lobby groups wrapped up a regional roadshow in Victoria, which asked farmers and their communities for help in getting the China agreement ratified before the end of the 2015 calendar year.

More than 300 farmers came together over the last week with a resounding call for the China Free Trade Agreement to be ratified by the end of the year. The FTA roadshow started in the state’s west in Warrnambool, touring through Colac, Timboon, Tatura, Cohuna, Leongatha and then finishing on Tuesday in the state’s south in Warragul.

UDV President, Adam Jenkins said the roadshow highlighted the benefits of the ChAFTA to the broader Australian community, as well as breaking down myths created by anti-FTA movements.

“This deal is a generational opportunity to grow our major agricultural supply chains. Dairy, livestock, horticulture, viticulture, grains, and cotton all stand to benefit from the China FTA passing our Federal Parliament,” Mr Jenkins said.

“The union movement is running a misleading and deceptive scare campaign. The facts are that this China FTA will be good for jobs, good for the economy and a boom for our agricultural export market.

ADF President, Noel Campbell called on farmers across all sectors and parts of the country to get ChAFTA over the line.

“Farmers are leading the push to get the deal passed through Parliament. We have been wearing a path to Canberra, lobbying both sides of parliament and the independent senators to highlight why this deal is important,” Mr Campbell said.

“The ChAFTA is under threat. We need farmers, processors, service providers and regional communities to help us get this deal over the line before the end of the year. We need your help to show your neighbours, friends and family why this deal matters for not just for agriculture, but for the entire Australian community.”

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, ADF Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Tom Whitty, VFF Media Manager

M: 0417 165 784

E: twhitty@vff.org.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has supported calls for the Federal Cabinet to adopt stronger misuse of market power laws to foster a more competitive business environment.

While some business groups have suggested that stronger laws about the misuse of market power may have negative impacts on competition and innovation, these claims don’t withstand scrutiny.

ADF President, Noel Campbell said concerns that the introduction of an effects test could put consumers at risk were unfounded.

“These changes are about protecting consumers and competition from actions that substantially lessen competition in a market. These reforms are in consumers’ interests,’ said Mr Campbell.

“The Harper Review made it clear, the law as it stand is inadequate. The Government must not let self-interested businesses and organisations with excessive market share further limit competition to the detriment of consumers, farmers and the Government.”

ADF strongly supports the Harper Review’s recommendations for any updated competition and consumer law to include an effects test. ADF is advocating for certainty that the legal process is able to provide integrity and transparency regarding the impact of retailer actions on suppliers. ADF is hopeful that this will prevent damaging practices, including predatory pricing in future.

Addressing the misuse of market power is crucial in determining the Australian dairy industry’s future profitability and sustainability. Farmers need every opportunity to improve their negotiating power for profitability and returns at the farm-gate to be achieved.

ADF looks forward to working with both sides of Parliament, to ensure the unequal distribution of market power is addressed for the benefit of the entire food and grocery sector and for all Australian consumers.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au