Improving his leadership skills to provide greater benefits to the New South Wales dairy industry was a key driver for Paul Weir joining the Developing Dairy Leaders Program (DDLP).

Paul, a farmer near Lismore, NSW is already a dairy leader in his community and he wanted to use the program to build on his current skills and deliver more for the dairy industry.

“I’m on the NSW Farmers Association Dairy Committee and Chair of the NSW Dairy Education Advisory Committee and heard about the program through the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA),” said Paul. “I’ve been doing dairy advocacy roles within NSW for five years but with no formalised training.”

“So far, the program has been a fantastic way to learn more about the industry. There’s a range of backgrounds with the other participants and the program is really highlighting the importance of communication and listening. I plan to reflect on how I’ve done things in the past and improve on that.”

Paul is one of 10 dairy people from across Australia’s dairy regions participating in the DDLP, which has been developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia. Delivered by the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA), it follows on from the successful pilot program run in 2011.

Participants learn how to articulate, present and debate ideas, provide advocacy and representation, participate as a member of a board, participate in a media interview or presentation, lead and manage community or industry organisations and manage personal work priorities and professional development.

The program recently kicked off with a five-day residential stint in Melbourne. The next phase will involve a regionally based project with the support of an industry-leading mentor. It will conclude with a two-day residential policy and media development program in Canberra in September, resulting in a formal accreditation.

ADF President Chris Griffin said the program was a key activity in supporting the development of the dairy industry’s leaders.

“The participants of the Developing Dairy Leaders Program are from all the dairying regions of Australia and bring a great cross section of experience and fresh ideas,” Mr Griffin said.

“It is great to see such energy and commitment from people across Australia and across the industry.”

“Dairy is an industry we should be proud of and it is very exciting to see the potential in leadership that is out there,” Mr Griffin said.

Dairy Australia Managing Director Ian Halliday said the course had attracted a diverse and enthusiastic group of people, already working in the industry, to become the next round of dairy leaders.

“While the course has just started, participants are taking this wonderful opportunity to develop a range of vital leadership skills and are on the way to becoming the next wave of dairy industry representatives such as managers, presidents, directors and board members,” he said.

Media Contact:

Felicity Gallagher, Dairy Australia External Communications Manager

M: 0417 540 059

E: fgallagher@dairyaustralia.com.au

Leadership within Western Victoria’s dairy industry is in safe hands with the participation of three locals in the Developing Dairy Leaders Program (DDLP).

Peter Musson, Kym Mathew and Darren Farley are part of a group of 10 people from across Australia’s dairy regions involved in the program, which has been developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia. Delivered by the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA), it follows on from the successful pilot program run in 2011.

Peter, a Farm Manager and owner has previously worked in a leadership role for the industry and wanted to further develop his skills.

“The dairy industry has been very good to me over the years and I always like to try and give something back where I can,” Peter said.

Kym, Farm Manager at Terang’s Demo Dairy was encouraged to join the program by a board member at Demo Dairy.

“It was suggested to me as a professional development tool. I’m enjoying the interaction with others in the industry and gaining new skills I can use professionally and personally,” Kym said.

Darren, a Farm Manager and owner currently chairs the South West Regional Extension Committee and wanted to learn more about the dairy industry as a whole.

“The program is helping me understand the bigger picture of the industry as well as how the peak bodies work together,” Darren said.

DDLP participants learn how to articulate, present and debate ideas, provide advocacy and representation, participate as a member of a board, participate in a media interview or presentation, lead and manage community or industry organisations and manage personal work priorities and professional development.

The program recently kicked off with a five-day residential stint in Melbourne. The next phase will involve a regionally based project with the support of an industry-leading mentor. It will conclude with a two-day residential policy and media development program in Canberra in September.

ADF President Chris Griffin said the program was a key activity in supporting the development of the dairy industry’s leaders.

“The participants of the Developing Dairy Leaders Program are from all the dairying regions of Australia and bring a great cross section of experience and fresh ideas,” Mr Griffin said. “It is great to see such energy and commitment from people across Australia and across the industry.” “Dairy is an industry we should be proud of and it is very exciting to see the potential in leadership that is out there,” Mr Griffin said.

Dairy Australia Managing Director Ian Halliday said the course had attracted an enthusiastic group of people, already working in the industry, to become the next round of dairy leaders.

“While the course has just started, participants are taking this opportunity to develop a range of vital leadership skills and are on the way to becoming the next wave of dairy industry representatives such as managers, presidents, directors and board members,” he said.

Media Contact:

Felicity Gallagher, Dairy Australia External Communications Manager

M: 0417 540 059

E: fgallagher@dairyaustralia.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) President Chris Griffin has today expressed great disappointment in the Government’s so-called responses to the Senate Economics References Committee’s 2011 final report of the Inquiry into the impacts of supermarket price decisions on the dairy industry and Milking it for all it’s worth – competition and pricing in the Australian dairy industry.

The Government, after two years of inquiries and conclusive evidence of impacts on dairy farmers, is yet again avoiding taking action.

“They are hiding behind the ACCC, which has time and again proven itself to be ineffective and powerless against the tactics of the major supermarkets,” said Mr Griffin.

ADF is amazed that the Government is satisfied with the ACCC’s ‘monitoring’ when it admitted in evidence to the Senate Committee that it had “not done any monitoring of the other items” in reference to the approximately 15,000 other items in a supermarket that Coles may be increasing the price of to offset the price cuts on staples such as milk.*

The ACCC also admitted that it had not checked if Coles was selling below cost in regional areas such as Darwin, Kununurra and “other far flung places.”#

Even Coles’ major competitor, Woolworths stated a year ago that the price cut was unsustainable and would lead to farmers being impacted.

“The dairy farmers of Australia demand action. The Government has been presented with clear and uncontestable evidence that Coles’ marketing tactic is adversely affecting dairy farming families and action needs to be taken now,” said Mr Griffin.

“Coles’ actions have already contributed to the loss of some 30 dairy farmers from the industry in Queensland since January 2011, and more are set to leave with farmers being confronted with lower contract prices and major cuts to their incomes over recent months,” said Mr Griffin.

Farmers in Qld and NSW are having to sign contracts at three cents per litre less than last year. For many dairy farmers this means they will become unprofitable.

Mr Griffin said, “ADF is calling on the Government to support the dairy industry’s recommendation for an enforceable and mandatory Code of Conduct for supermarkets that covers the entire value chain, from farmer to retailer.”

The industry also calls for a Supermarket Commissioner or Ombudsman to be established to investigate complaints and strongly enforce the new code.

“The price cuts are unsustainable and the plain fact is milk priced at 1992 levels does not bring in enough money to support farmers, processors and retailers in the year 2012. The evidence shows it and Coles knows it,” Mr Griffin said.

After two years of inquiries, hearings and submissions the government has agreed in principle to seven recommendations and noted twenty-four out of a total of thirty one. There is no action!

Media Contact:

Chris Griffin, ADF President

M: 0402 846 239

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) President Chris Griffin has called on the Federal Government to respond to the recommendations of the Senate Economics References Committee’s minority report into the retail supermarket milk war.

“The Government has now had over two months to respond to the final report of the Inquiry into the impacts of supermarket price decisions on the dairy industry and well over 18 months to respond to the previous inquiry, Milking it for all it’s worth,” Mr Griffin said.

“A year after Coles unsustainably cut the price of its supermarket brand milk to $1/litre, and after an exhaustive Senate inquiry, we are still waiting on the promised response from the government. Meanwhile, the industry is being severely and progressively impacted by the day, especially in drinking milk states like Queensland, Northern NSW and Western Australia.”

“The dairy farmers of Australia demand action. ADF calls on the Federal Government to immediately respond to the Committee’s minority report and work with industry to implement its recommendations.

“The Government has been presented with clear and uncontestable evidence that Coles’ marketing tactic is adversely affecting dairy farming families and action needs to be taken now,” said ADF President Chris Griffin.

At the time of the release of the report of the Inquiry into the impacts of supermarket price decisions on the dairy industry ADF applauded Senators Xenophon, Williams, Madigan, Milne and Heffernan for having the courage to stand up to the retail giant Coles, owned by Wesfarmers, and tell it how it is.

“The Senators’ recommendations provide a way to help balance the market power of the two big supermarkets and bring back some fairness and transparency in the market,” said Mr Griffin.

The report was released on 3 November 2011 after two interim reports, over 180 submissions, 63 public witnesses and almost 9 months of inquiry.

It follows the previous senate committee inquiry report Milking it for all it’s worth – competition and pricing in the Australian dairy industry which was released on 13 May 2010.

The Government has not responded to Milking it for all it’s worth and on 20 April 2011 in an interim report the Senate Economic References Committee called on the Government to table a formal response to Milking it for all it’s worth by 13 May 2011, which would have been a year after it was tabled.

The Government indicated it would respond to both reports ‘after all the evidence has been examined and the Committee has delivered its final report.’*

“Coles’ actions have already contributed to the loss of some 30 dairy farmers from the industry in Queensland since January 2011, and more are set to leave with farmers being offered lower prices over recent months,” said Mr Griffin.

“Whilst dairy farmers are leaving the industry the Government has sat on two reports, one for well over 18 months. The time for talking is over, we need action,” Mr Griffin said.

The Government must take action to balance the unfair market power of the two big supermarkets and provide fairness and transparency along the supply chain.

Mr Griffin said, “ADF is calling on the Government to support the dairy industry’s recommendation for an enforceable and mandatory Code of Conduct for supermarkets that covers the entire value chain, from farmer to retailer.”

The industry also calls for a Supermarket Commissioner or Ombudsman to be established to investigate complaints and strongly enforce the new code.

“The price cuts are unsustainable and the plain fact is milk priced at $1 per litre does not bring in enough money to support farmers, processors and retailers. The evidence shows it and Coles knows it,” Mr Griffin said.

Media Contact:

Chris Griffin, President

M: 0402 846 239

Since completing the pilot Developing Dairy Leaders Program, South Australian dairy manager Ty Maidment has been travelling across the globe as an iDairy World tour representative. Now plenty more like Ty, who have dairy pumping through their veins and want to make a change in the industry, have the same opportunity.

Following the success of the 2011 program, which saw 15 future leaders of the dairy industry graduate, Developing Dairy Leaders Program will continue in 2012. Aspiring leaders are urged to get cracking to be a part of the second program with applications now open and closing 6 January 2012.

Through the Developing Dairy Leaders Program, the dairy industry is looking to identify individuals across Australia who have a desire to shape the direction of the industry into the future. The program comprises two residential sessions. One in Melbourne, from 13 to 17 February 2012, and the other in Canberra, from 11 to 13 September 2012.

Ty Maidment believes the program gave him a practical understanding of what’s required to be a successful dairy leader.

“The course provides practical assistance, such as helping with resumes and tips on how to present yourself and your ideas at a board level. I’ve recently been formally accepted on the Dairy South Australia board and believe the course gave me the confidence to deal with people at that level,” said Mr Maidment.

“There are plenty of opportunities out there in the industry and the Developing Dairy Leaders Program is a great example of this. I encourage anyone in the industry to take up this opportunity and put yourself out there.”

Developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia (DA), the Developing Dairy Leaders Program is the industry’s flagship leadership program. Participants undertake skills development that will allow them to fulfil a range of roles representing their industry at a state level.

The Developing Dairy Leaders Program is delivered through the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) and aims to provide training to potential leaders already working in the dairy industry.

ADF President Chris Griffin said the Developing Dairy Leaders Program aimed to support leaders making the transition from local to state roles.

“The Australian dairy industry understands and promotes the value of leadership within the industry,” Mr Griffin said. “This program will provide our future leaders with the support to develop their skills and a greater understanding of how the industry works at a policy and advocacy level.”

Dairy Australia Managing Director Ian Halliday said the successful participants would develop their leadership skills by working on a project designed to address a real life issue within the dairy industry.

“The program will give participants the support and knowledge to help them identify and resolve issues the industry is facing in a practical way,” Mr Halliday said. “We want to ensure they can contribute to the dairy industry in the long term.”

To be considered, applicants must complete the application form at www.dairyaustralia.com.au/leadership by 6 January. For more information, contact Rodney Vile at Dairy Australia on 03 9694 3806 or 0417 531 706.

Media Contact:

Felicity Gallagher, Dairy Australia External Communications Manager

M: 0417 540 059

E: fgallagher@dairyaustralia.com.au

Since completing the pilot Developing Dairy Leaders Program, Gunbower dairy farmer Jason Smith has been appointed to the steering committee of one of Dairy Australia’s Regional Development Programs, Murray Dairy. Now others like Jason, who have dairy pumping through their veins and want to make a change in the industry, have the same learning opportunity.

Following the success of the 2011 program, which saw 15 future leaders of the dairy industry graduate, Developing Dairy Leaders Program will continue in 2012. Aspiring leaders are urged to get cracking to be a part of the second program with applications now open and closing 6 January 2012.

Through the Developing Dairy Leaders Program, the dairy industry is looking to identify individuals across Australia who have a desire to shape the direction of the industry into the future. The program comprises two residential sessions. One in Melbourne, from 13 to 17 February 2012, and the other in Canberra, from 11 to 13 September 2012.

Jason Smith believes the program gave him many valuable insights into the dairy industry as a whole, as well as practical tips on key issues such as corporate governance.

“I learnt how to advocate an industry position and how to prepare business presentations. This is vital to support what I want to do in the future and I’m also using these skills to buy my first dairy farm,” Mr Smith said.

“Another great thing about the program was the contacts I made. It introduced me to a bunch of young people from all parts of the country and all parts of the industry. I learnt about the different issues they face and the situations they have to deal with it. I can’t recommend it highly enough.”

Developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia (DA), the Developing Dairy Leaders Program is the industry’s flagship leadership program. Participants undertake skills development that will allow them to fulfil a range of roles representing their industry at a state level.

The Developing Dairy Leaders Program is delivered through the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) and aims to provide training to potential leaders already working in the dairy industry.

ADF President Chris Griffin said the Developing Dairy Leaders Program aimed to support leaders making the transition from local to state roles.

“The Australian dairy industry understands and promotes the value of leadership within the industry,” Mr Griffin said. “This program will provide our future leaders with the support to develop their skills and a greater understanding of how the industry works at a policy and advocacy level.”

Dairy Australia Managing Director Ian Halliday said the successful participants would develop their leadership skills by working on a project designed to address a real life issue within the dairy industry.

“The program will give participants the support and knowledge to help them identify and resolve issues the industry is facing in a practical way,” Mr Halliday said. “We want to ensure they can contribute to the dairy industry in the long term.”

To be considered, applicants must complete the application form at www.dairyaustralia.com.au/leadership by 6 January. For more information, contact Rodney Vile at Dairy Australia on 03 9694 3806 or 0417 531 706.

Media Contact:

Felicity Gallagher, Dairy Australia External Communications Manager

M: 0417 540 059

E: fgallagher@dairyaustralia.com.au

Since completing the pilot Developing Dairy Leaders Program, Tasmanian dairy farmer Duncan Macdonald is now managing the University of Tasmania Dairy Research Facility. Now plenty more like Duncan, who have dairy pumping through their veins and want to make a change in the industry, have the same opportunity.

Following the success of the 2011 program, which saw 15 future leaders of the dairy industry graduate, Developing Dairy Leaders Program will continue in 2012. Aspiring leaders are urged to get cracking to be a part of the second program with applications now open and closing 6 January 2012.

Through the Developing Dairy Leaders Program, the dairy industry is looking to identify individuals across Australia who have a desire to shape the direction of the industry into the future. The program comprises two residential sessions. One in Melbourne, from 13 to 17 February 2012, and the other in Canberra, from 11 to 13 September 2012.

Duncan Macdonald believes that the program provided him with great benefits, including increasing his knowledge of the dairy industry as a whole and tips on how to communicate effectively.

“I got a lot out of the course. I met people from all over and got an overview of the entire industry. I also learnt about the importance of corporate governance and the responsibility people in those roles have,” Mr Macdonald said.

“Personal communication was another part of the program I got a lot out of. I learnt to think about how to cater communications to get through to a range of people, depending on their individual needs. I now try to put myself in their shoes and think about how people learn to get the most out of my communications.”

Developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia (DA), the Developing Dairy Leaders Program is the industry’s flagship leadership program. Participants undertake skills development that will allow them to fulfil a range of roles representing their industry at a state level.

The Developing Dairy Leaders Program is delivered through the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) and aims to provide training to potential leaders already working in the dairy industry.

ADF President Chris Griffin said the Developing Dairy Leaders Program aimed to support leaders making the transition from local to state roles.

“The Australian dairy industry understands and promotes the value of leadership within the industry,” Mr Griffin said. “This program will provide our future leaders with the support to develop their skills and a greater understanding of how the industry works at a policy and advocacy level.”

Dairy Australia Managing Director Ian Halliday said the successful participants would develop their leadership skills by working on a project designed to address a real life issue within the dairy industry.

“The program will give participants the support and knowledge to help them identify and resolve issues the industry is facing in a practical way,” Mr Halliday said. “We want to ensure they can contribute to the dairy industry in the long term.”

To be considered, applicants must complete the application form at www.dairyaustralia.com.au/leadership by 6 January. For more information, contact Rodney Vile at Dairy Australia on 03 9694 3806 or 0417 531 706.

Media Contact:

Felicity Gallagher, Dairy Australia External Communications Manager

M: 0417 540 059

E: fgallagher@dairyaustralia.com.au

Since completing the pilot Developing Dairy Leaders Program, Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory Field Officer Rowan Ault has been using his knowledge gained from the program to learn more about the dairy industry as a whole. Now plenty more like Rowan, who have dairy pumping through their veins and want to make a change in the industry, have the same opportunity.

Following the success of the 2011 program, which saw 15 future leaders of the dairy industry graduate, Developing Dairy Leaders Program will continue in 2012. Aspiring leaders are urged to get cracking to be a part of the second program with applications now open and closing 6 January 2012.

Through the Developing Dairy Leaders Program, the dairy industry is looking to identify individuals across Australia who have a desire to shape the direction of the industry into the future. The program comprises two residential sessions. One in Melbourne, from 13 to 17 February 2012, and the other in Canberra, from 11 to 13 September 2012.

Rowan Ault believes the program gave him an overview of other areas of the dairy industry and an insight into the amount of opportunities available across the industry.

“It was a great opportunity to be involved in the course. I enjoyed being in a room with similar minded people and it gave me a better understanding of the amount of work that goes into research and industry representation,” Mr Ault said.

“It has given me a good idea of the variety of opportunities that are out there in dairy, particularly across the broad range of industry sectors.”

Developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia (DA), the Developing Dairy Leaders Program is the industry’s flagship leadership program. Participants undertake skills development that will allow them to fulfil a range of roles representing their industry at a state level.

The Developing Dairy Leaders Program is delivered through the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) and aims to provide training to potential leaders already working in the dairy industry.

ADF President Chris Griffin said the Developing Dairy Leaders Program aimed to support leaders making the transition from local to state roles.

“The Australian dairy industry understands and promotes the value of leadership within the industry,” Mr Griffin said. “This program will provide our future leaders with the support to develop their skills and a greater understanding of how the industry works at a policy and advocacy level.”

Dairy Australia Managing Director Ian Halliday said the successful participants would develop their leadership skills by working on a project designed to address a real life issue within the dairy industry.

“The program will give participants the support and knowledge to help them identify and resolve issues the industry is facing in a practical way,” Mr Halliday said. “We want to ensure they can contribute to the dairy industry in the long term.”

To be considered, applicants must complete the application form at www.dairyaustralia.com.au/leadership by 6 January. For more information, contact Rodney Vile at Dairy Australia on 03 9694 3806 or 0417 531 706.

Media Contact:

Felicity Gallagher, Dairy Australia External Communications Manager

M: 0417 540 059

E: fgallagher@dairyaustralia.com.au

Since completing the pilot Developing Dairy Leaders Program, West Australian dairy farmer Michael Giumelli has been using his knowledge gained from the program to learn more about the dairy industry as a whole. Now plenty more like Michael, who have dairy pumping through their veins and want to make a change in the industry, have the same opportunity.

Following the success of the 2011 program, which saw 15 future leaders of the dairy industry graduate, Developing Dairy Leaders Program will continue in 2012. Aspiring leaders are urged to get cracking to be a part of the second program with applications now open and closing 6 January 2012.

Through the Developing Dairy Leaders Program, the dairy industry is looking to identify individuals across Australia who have a desire to shape the direction of the industry into the future. The program comprises two residential sessions. One in Melbourne, from 13 to 17 February 2012, and the other in Canberra, from 11 to 13 September 2012.

Michael Giumelli believes the program gave him valuable insights into different areas the dairy industry and a greater understanding of how it works.

“It was a fantastic experience to be involved in the course and learn so many new things. I met other people working in the dairy industry across the country and from different parts of the industry,” Mr Giumelli said.

“I highly recommend the program to anyone and it is a great addition to my resume.”

Developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia (DA), the Developing Dairy Leaders Program is the industry’s flagship leadership program. Participants undertake skills development that will allow them to fulfil a range of roles representing their industry at a state level.

The Developing Dairy Leaders Program is delivered through the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) and aims to provide training to potential leaders already working in the dairy industry.

ADF President Chris Griffin said the Developing Dairy Leaders Program aimed to support leaders making the transition from local to state roles.

“The Australian dairy industry understands and promotes the value of leadership within the industry,” Mr Griffin said. “This program will provide our future leaders with the support to develop their skills and a greater understanding of how the industry works at a policy and advocacy level.”

Dairy Australia Managing Director Ian Halliday said the successful participants would develop their leadership skills by working on a project designed to address a real life issue within the dairy industry.

“The program will give participants the support and knowledge to help them identify and resolve issues the industry is facing in a practical way,” Mr Halliday said. “We want to ensure they can contribute to the dairy industry in the long term.”

To be considered, applicants must complete the application form at www.dairyaustralia.com.au/leadership by 6 January. For more information, contact Rodney Vile at Dairy Australia on 03 9694 3806 or 0417 531 706.

Media Contact:

Felicity Gallagher, Dairy Australia External Communications Manager

M: 0417 540 059

E: fgallagher@dairyaustralia.com.au

The Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has serious doubts whether the Federal Government and Murray- Darling Basin Authority will deliver on their triple bottom line promises for the draft Basin Plan.

Daryl Hoey, ADF water spokesman said, “In recent meetings with government and the MDBA they certainly haven’t convinced us that the draft Basin Plan is going to allow for a growing dairy industry to operate across the Basin.

“Yet the Federal Water Minister, Tony Burke, promised more than a year ago to deliver a Basin Plan that optimised economic, social and environmental outcomes.

“At the time, the dairy industry accepted these commitments in good faith – only to discover now, at this late stage, that the MDBA has not incorporated the triple bottom line into the draft Basin Plan after all.”

“The MDBA’s own analysis has identified that achieving its water recovery target through continued buybacks would cause severe and lasting decline in irrigation regions.

“With the breaking of the drought, the dairy industry is recovering, rebuilding herds, increasing milk production and reducing debt. If the proposed water reductions go ahead, then the dairy industry will slide back to where it was during the drought.

“Mooted alternatives such as dryland beef farming will not replace the lost jobs, local dairy processing and economic activity associated with irrigation farming,” said Mr Hoey.

Chris Griffin, ADF President said, “Farmers across the Basin have achieved considerable water savings and made substantial contributions to future environmental water through the buyback scheme and other projects.

Further buyback tenders are unnecessary when more water can be saved by increased investment in more water-efficient irrigation systems, environmental works to better use the available water, and improved river operations.”

“Given the amount of water already recovered and the clear economic and social impacts of this change, the dairy industry calls on the Federal Government to make a firm commitment to stop taking our irrigation water,” said Mr Griffin.

Media Contact:

Daryl Hoey, ADF Water Spokesperson

M: 0407 582 982

Chris Griffin, ADF President

M: 0402 846 239

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) President Chris Griffin expressed extreme disappointment that the Senate Economics References Committee’s final report on the Inquiry into the impacts of supermarket price decisions on the dairy industry has not recommended immediate action on Coles’ cutthroat discounting.

“The Committee has been presented with clear and uncontestable evidence that Coles’ marketing tactic is adversely affecting dairy farming families and action needs to be taken now,” said ADF President Chris Griffin.

“Coles’ actions have already contributed to the loss of more than 26 dairy farmers from the industry in Queensland since January,” said Mr Griffin.

Whilst dairy farmers are leaving the industry the Committee has recommended four reviews, one study and one consultation process. We need action.

“This cut‐throat discounting by Coles has now been going on for nine months and it is time the government took action to stop it. This is the second inquiry in two years, the time for talking is over, we need action,” Mr Griffin said.

“We’ve seen this discounting cycle before in the United Kingdom, we know what the issues are, we know this cutthroat discounting ultimately flows on to the farmers and their families and we know the UK Competition Commission had to take legislative action to re‐balance the market power of the supermarkets there.”

The Government must take action to balance the unfair market power of the two big supermarkets and provide fairness and transparency along the supply chain.

Coles and Woolworths have unparalleled market power that is not replicated anywhere else in the world. The top five supermarket chains in the United Kingdom have about 80% of the market, the same as Coles and Woolworths here in Australia. This cannot be good for competition in the long term and is definitely not good for the supermarkets’ suppliers.

“ADF applauds Senators Xenophon, Williams, Madigan, Milne and Heffernan for having the courage to stand up to Coles and say it how it is in their minority report. ADF calls on the Federal Government to immediately respond to the Committee’s minority report and work with industry to implement its recommendations.”

“The price cuts are unsustainable and the plain fact is milk priced at $1 per litre does not bring in enough money to support farmers, processors and retailers. The evidence shows it and Coles knows it,” Mr Griffin said.

The dairy industry has done modelling on what the potential impact of the discounting is if it continues.
This national modelling outlines a potential annual loss of $44 million from the value chain due to the shift to home brand products. This scenario would lead to a drop of 2 cents per litre in the farmgate price. For the vast majority of northern NSW and Queensland dairy farmers this would result in the loss of any profit margin on their milk.

Farmers in the drinking milk states are under pressure and they are leaving the industry due to the uncertainty created by Coles and doubts about the long‐term sustainability of their farms at these prices.

“This is leading to a lack of investment in the industry in the drinking milk states at a time when it is vital that farmers develop their farms to meet anticipated future growth in demand,” Mr Griffin said.

Media Contact:

Chris Griffin, ADF President

M: 0402 846 239