AUSTRALIAN Dairy Farmers (ADF) questions federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s move to include water buybacks in a new deal to execute the Murray Darling Basin plan.

1. Why are buybacks being prioritised when they hurt communities, workers, jobs, and food production?
2. Why is the Government not negotiating in good faith with the states and industry?
3. Why is the whole state of Victoria not included in the new agreement when it is a major party to the plan?
4. Why did Government call for project submissions to deliver more water only to then ignore them?
5. Why is the Government not embracing innovation and science to provide more positive environmental outcomes and preserve jobs and economies driven by productive agriculture?

ADF President Rick Gladigau says these unanswered questions create fear and uncertainty for Basin communities, erode a decade of bi-partisanship support and increase risks for food security and food prices.

For the record, ADF supports:

• the intent of the Murray Darling Basin Plan to improve environmental outcomes while maintaining food production
• the extension of time to deliver the Basin plan announced in the new agreement
• the use of the socio-economic test in assessing the impacts of water buybacks.

However, ADF is against:

• any watering down of or removal of the socio-economic test for water buybacks
• deals that ignore the impacts on communities, workers, business, and food production.

“Since the millennium drought 2100GL of water has been transferred from farming to the environment. Dairy farmers have done the heavy lifting. This has improved the environmental health of the Basin,” says Mr Gladigau.

“Dairy farmers are among Australia’s first environmentalists. Landcare is proof of their commitment. They have made significant investments to improve water use efficiency and to build drought resilience into their farming systems.

“At a time when food prices are rising and the Government itself is holding an inquiry into food security it is ironic that buybacks are being prioritised. Buybacks create insecurity and make food production unsustainable.”

Earlier today, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission announced it had “identified preliminary competition concerns” and published a Statement of Issues in relation to Coles’ proposed acquisition of two Saputo milk processing sites in Victoria and NSW.

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) president Rick Gladigau says ADF is reassured by the ACCC’s announcement that it will progress the review of the proposed acquisition with a formal Statement of Issues.

Mr Gladigau says this decision suggests the ACCC recognises there are potential competition concerns that warrant further investigation.

“Dairy farmers need strong competition for their milk at the farmgate. ADF does not wish to see a sale that disadvantages dairy farmers in the long-term,” Mr Gladigau says.

“ADF looks forward to engaging with the ACCC further to ensure an outcome is achieved that benefits – or at least does not disadvantage – dairy farmers and the market, more generally.”

Comments attributable to Rick Gladigau, Australian Dairy Farmers president:

AUSTRALIA’S dairy farmers are celebrating World Milk Day today. They are also enjoying the benefits of a mandatory code of conduct hard-won by their national advocacy body, Australian Dairy Farmers.

Today, phones are running hot in the Australian dairy industry as processors announce their prices for farmgate milk for the coming season. This has not always been the case.

The fact that dairy farmers will, by 2pm today, know what price their processor is offering for the coming season is a direct benefit of the work of Australian Dairy Farmers to make milk prices more transparent.

In the not-too-distant past, dairy farmers could be many weeks into the supply season, having their milk collected by a processor for an undisclosed price.

Thanks to the Mandatory Dairy Code of Conduct, dairy farmers now have a month to consider processor’s offers, get milk price income estimations and sign an agreement.

Importantly, the Code is about more than just price. It imposes minimum standards of conduct on processors and dairy farmers, who must deal in good faith.

As farmers watch their input costs increase and the industry navigates a shrinking milk pool, the farmer-processor relationship will be more important than ever before. Farmgate prices and cooperation around the Code are two key ways we can continue to restore trust.

AUSTRALIAN Dairy Farmers (ADF) has welcomed the focus on protecting agriculture and a return to surplus in the 2023 Federal Budget.

ADF president Rick Gladigau said the budget addressed many of the key priorities for dairy farmers’ national policy and advocacy organisation, however ADF believed there were some areas of concern for dairy farmers.

Mr Gladigau said the extra funding for biosecurity announced in the budget delivered in part on ADF’s submissions to the Senate’s recent biosecurity inquiry. However, he said it was unclear how the biosecurity protection levy would be calculated and how the revenue raised would be collected and allocated.

“We appreciate that biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and all risk creators and beneficiaries need to pay their fair share. Based on this premise it is difficult to understand why farmers and importers of low-value cargo are the only people bearing new costs and levies,” Mr Gladigau said. “Surely, the importers of high-value cargo must also bear some of these costs.

“It is appropriate that the Government funds biosecurity because the economy benefits from strong biosecurity. However, biosecurity funding is fairer when everyone who creates a risk also contributes funding.

“We do know that the biosecurity funding builds on the good work Australia has already done protecting the agricultural sector from the threats of foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease overseas.”

Mr Gladigau said initiatives to improve access to foreign workers and address the workforce shortage were welcomed, together with improvements to how the Department of Home Affairs processed visas.

“Other long-overdue initiatives that have been addressed include a review of the Australian Carbon Credit Unit scheme, the development of a climate adaptation plan and a commitment to fund the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) to improve data collection.”

However, ADF notes there are some shortcomings in other areas for dairy farming.

“There is uncertainty around how renewed funding for the Commonwealth Government’s animal welfare strategy will be used, and the Government continues to withdraw investment from water supply projects,” Mr Gladigau said. “These two issues will broadly restrict confidence in the dairy industry.

“Meanwhile, the rise in the heavy vehicle tax will certainly be an impost on dairy farmers as freight costs will increase for milk, hay, grain and everyday needs, and these are likely to be passed on to farmers.”

ADF looks forward to engaging with the Government on developing the detail surrounding these budget commitments.

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Media contact:  Mark Paterson, Currie, mark@curriecommunications.com.au +61 (0) 409 411 110.

About Australian Dairy Farmers
Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is the recognised national policy and advocacy organisation working to improve profitability and sustainability of dairy farming in Australia. Representing Australia’s six dairying states, Australian Dairy Farmers state membership comprises representatives from Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. These state bodies are known as State Dairy Farmer Organisations (SDFOs). ADF provides the SDFOs with support and representation on a national level.

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) notes the Coles’ plans to acquire Saputo milk processing plants at Laverton in Melbourne and Erskine Park in NSW with keen interest and caution.

The proposed investment by Coles can be seen as a vote of confidence in the future of dairy, however it can also be viewed as a move by a major retailer to secure milk when supply is declining.

While Coles has offered competitive prices at the farmgate since it started sourcing milk direct from farmers in 2019, it also introduced cheap $1 per litre milk to the retail sector in 2011. ADF considers increased competition and price transparency by both retailers and processors is key to a competitive market.

The real issue is the market power and control that will result with Coles being a processor in their own right and the ability for Coles to set the retail price of their competitor brands in all Coles Supermarkets, it means total control of every fresh milk price within the Coles sphere of influence

ADF is concerned that greater concentration of market power could impede competition or price transparency along the supply chain from farm gate all the way to the retail customer. ADF does not wish to see this disadvantage farmers in the long-term. The dairy industry needs strong competition.

If the sale proceeds, ADF wants Coles to guarantee that all existing Saputo farmers supplying milk to the processing plants will be offered milk supply agreements with either Coles or another party over the long-term. It does not want to see contracts restricted to Coles’ suppliers.

ADF notes that the proposed purchase is subject to clearance by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and it will seek input into the ACCC’s review of the deal.

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Media contact:

Mark Paterson

Currie

Tel: 0409 411 110

Email: mark@curriecommunications.com.au

About Australian Dairy Farmers

Australian Dairy Farmers is the recognised national policy and advocacy organisation working to improve profitability and sustainability of dairy farming in Australia. Representing Australia’s six dairying states, Australian Dairy Farmers state membership comprises representatives from Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. These state bodies are known as State Dairy Farmer Organisation (SDFO). Australian Dairy Farmers provides the SDFOs with support and representation on a national level.

AUSTRALIAN Dairy Farmers (ADF) is disappointed by the way the Federal Government recommenced water buybacks this week.

The government announced the buybacks on Wednesday (22 February) – just days out from a meeting of state and federal water ministers – without consulting those who are most affected.

ADF president Rick Gladigau says the move undermines transparency and stymies collaborative decision making on the Basin Plan.

“Dairy farmers have invested heavily to improve on-farm water use efficiency. It’s in farmers’ best interests to use water efficiently,” Mr Gladigau says.

“There are innovative projects which will enable more efficient use of water to achieve environmental outcomes, without the need to take more water from the consumptive pool.”

ADF is concerned that reducing the pool of water available to irrigators will affect the price and reliability of water, which in turn influences the viability of farms.

“Dairy farms in the Basin have already done the heavy lifting and paid the price with reduced milk production from the Murray dairy region and higher average water costs,” Mr Gladigau says.

“A further reduction in the consumptive pool will impact food security, not only on the eastern seaboard, but also to our international trading partners.

“Buybacks are not a targeted solution and create poor outcomes for rural communities. This announcement has created stress and uncertainty in irrigation dependent communities.”

Irrigated dairy in the Basin is a $1.67 billion industry that provides more than 8,400 jobs in regional communities.

“More than 2,100 gigalitres of water per year has already been recovered for the environment. This water has been put to good use with significant environmental gains having been made already. But a lack of focus on complementary environmental works across the Basin has in many cases hampered overall environmental improvements.

“When it comes to the environment, adding more water isn’t the only way to achieve better environmental outcomes. The dairy industry would like to work with government to develop innovative projects and use the most up-to-date science to improve environmental outcomes, rather than steadfastly focusing on the blunt instrument of a volumetric target of water for the Basin.”

South Australian dairy farmer Rick Gladigau has been re-elected as a director and President of national policy and advocacy organisation Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF), following ADF’s AGM today.

The ADF Board remains unchanged as:
• Rick Gladigau, South Australia (President)
• Brian Tessmann, Queensland
• Ben Bennett, Victoria
• Heath Cook, New South Wales
• Andreas Clark, South Australia (Independent director)

Victorian dairy farmers Glenn Britnell and Ian Morris were also candidates in a three-way contest for the one seat on the Board open at this year’s AGM.

Following the AGM, at a meeting of ADF’s Board and National Council, Mr Gladigau was re-elected President for a second 12-month term.

Mr Gladigau thanked ADF members for participating in the election process and, in doing so, supporting the organisation. “I look forward to continuing to lead ADF for the benefit of all dairy farmers,” he said.

“ADF thanks Glenn and Ian for nominating and taking part in the election of a Business director.”

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Media contact: Mark Paterson, Currie, mark@curriecommunications.com.au +61 (0) 409 411 110.

Today, Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) welcomes Mr Stephen Sheridan to the role of CEO.

“The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Stephen Sheridan as Chief Executive Officer of Australian Dairy Farmers,” says Mr Rick Gladigau, ADF President.

Mr Sheridan has an extensive background in agriculture with a career spanning 30 years in both corporate and non-for-profit (NFP) agricultural management positions. He is a former CEO of the Victorian Farmers Federation and a current director of Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West.

Growing up on a mixed cropping, livestock and irrigation property, Mr Sheridan’s love for all things dairy and agriculture was fostered from a young age.

“Stephen has breadth and depth of corporate and NFP experience, as well as expertise and vision that align with where our Board wants to see ADF in the future,” says Mr Gladigau.

Says Mr Sheridan: “I look forward to working with the ADF Board and team, farmers, members, and the broader industry in a sector which makes high-quality products I enjoy, as do people all around Australia and the world.

“Australia is fortunate to have such a fantastic, clean, green, healthy and abundant supply of essential dairy foods. The outlook for the dairy industry appears positive both domestically and internationally.

“This said, I am eager to better understand and meet the challenges faced by the sector, including the immediate impact of current flooding in eastern states, biosecurity risks such as foot-and-mouth and lumpy skin disease, increasing costs of production and equitable pricing, through to the challenges faced by us all to reduce our carbon footprint and improve our environmental stewardship.”

Mr Sheridan says his priority is to “engage with our farmers, members, industry groups and government to understand these immediate and longer-term challenges and opportunities”.

“My goal is that ADF is an effective advocacy organisation, focused on the sustainability of Australian dairy farmers supplying the dairy products we know and love,” he says.

Says Mr Gladigau of the recruitment process: “An extensive search was conducted across the second half of 2022, revealing a substantial number of applicants from within and external to the dairy sector. The Board would like to express its thanks to all applicants for their time and interest.”

Mr Sheridan starts as ADF CEO today (2 November). He will attend this month’s ADF AGM.

About Australian Dairy Farmers
Australian Dairy Farmers is the recognised national policy and advocacy organisation working to improve profitability and sustainability of dairy farming in Australia. Representing Australia’s six dairying states, Australian Dairy Farmers state membership comprises representatives from Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. These state bodies are known as State Dairy Farmer Organisation (SDFO). Australian Dairy Farmers provides the SDFOs with support and representation on a national level.

For further information, contact:
Mark Paterson
Currie
Tel: +61 (0) 409 411 110
Email: mark@curriecommunications.com.au

The Australian dairy industry does not support the Australian Government signing the global methane pledge at this time, says Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) president, Rick Gladigau.

“Any move by Australia to sign the methane pledge is ill-timed and ill-informed,” says Mr Gladigau. “Signing the pledge does not consider viable pathways for methane mitigation. These are yet to be established.

“The Australian dairy industry is not afraid of national targets to curb greenhouse gas emissions and it has already made its own commitments, underpinned by significant investment and research. Under the industry’s sustainability framework, dairy has a target to reduce emissions intensity by 30% by 2030 from a 2015 baseline.

“Any future policy for mitigating methane emissions should appropriately recognise and support our efforts in the dairy sector and consider modelling that explores viable pathways for methane mitigation.”

Mr Gladigau says ADF supports an economy-wide target of net zero emissions by 2050 with conditions. “One of these conditions is that Australian and state governments must adequately fund emissions reduction programs and research to enable farmers to utilise new methodologies and technologies to lower greenhouse gas emissions across their business while also increasing farm productivity,” he says.

Mr Gladigau says the Australian dairy industry has been working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for decades. Over this period investment and research has been conducted into better genetic selection, optimisation of reproduction and lactation, balancing energy in the diet of cows and uptake of solar and more efficient energy solutions. This has led to absolute emissions decreasing by 27% since 2010 in the dairy processing sector and methane intensity of Australian milk production declining by 40% between 1980 and 2016.

“Other measures, particularly the use of feed additives to reduce enteric methane from livestock, are still in development, with trials and tests underway around the world to establish both the actual methane reduction potential, as well as the delivery mechanism for the cows in pasture-based dairy farming systems,” says Mr Gladigau.

“All the technologies being used by dairy are promising but they will have limitations on their ability to reduce methane emissions from cows in dairy production systems. In addition, implementing these interventions will take time, focus and, most importantly, investment that must be considered in any future policy setting.”

The global methane pledge was announced at the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Glasgow in 2021. It is a voluntary target that seeks to decrease methane emissions by 30% by 2030 from 2020 levels.

Mr Gladigau describes the methane tax imposed on the livestock industry by the New Zealand Government to achieve the 30% methane cut as “a blunt and lazy instrument that reduces innovation and increases the cost of food”.

“Although the Australian Government has publicly stated it will not follow this route, such a guarantee needs to be enshrined in legislation or in an election mandate which it currently does not have,” says Mr Gladigau.

About Australian Dairy Farmers
Australian Dairy Farmers is the recognised national policy and advocacy organisation working to improve profitability and sustainability of dairy farming in Australia. Representing Australia’s six dairying states, Australian Dairy Farmers state membership comprises representatives from Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. These state bodies are known as State Dairy Farmer Organisation (SDFO). Australian Dairy Farmers provides the SDFOs with support and representation on a national level.

For further information, contact:
Mark Paterson
Currie
Tel: +61 (0) 409 411 110
Email: mark@curriecommunications.com.au

Australia’s dairy industry has urged state and federal water Ministers at today’s Murray Darling Basin meeting to recognise the adverse impact of the Murray Darling Basin Plan on dairy livelihoods and to keep more destructive water buybacks off the table.

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) President Rick Gladigau says ADF welcomes a new report on the social and economic impacts of the Plan in Victoria that reveals that there was a 46 per cent decline in milk production in the Basin during the past 15 years and 60 per cent of this decline was attributable to water buybacks.

The report, commissioned by the Victorian Government and released yesterday by Frontier Economics, shows milk production in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District declined from an average of 2350 million litres in 2003-04 to 2005-06, to about 1270 million litres in 2019-20 and 2020-21.

“These figures suggest that the Plan has had the biggest adverse impact on dairy than any other event over the same period,” says Mr Gladigau. “The report shows that the dairy industry has already done the heavy lifting on the Plan. We want that recognised in any decisions the Ministers make today.”

The report includes an analysis of the socio-economic impacts of a buyback of an extra 450 gigalitres (GL) of water for the environment – which is currently on the table. Under this scenario It forecasts a gross marginal loss of approximately $150 million annually and 900 job losses for northern Victoria.

“Under a 450GL buyback the report forecasts a further 137GL of loss across the country for the dairy industry, which is more than any other agricultural sector,” says Mr Gladigau. “These numbers alone make it clear the socio-economic test cannot be passed.

“The Australian dairy industry believes a smart and efficient implementation of the Plan can generate positive environmental and socio-economic outcomes without the need for the Australian Government to acquire an extra 450GL of water.

“We want outcomes-based policymaking for water management to sustain dairy production in the food bowl of Australia. Any Plan that we support must incorporate lessons and insights from the past, with the water acquired achieving good environmental outcomes without harming dairy operations and rural communities.”

About Australian Dairy Farmers
Australian Dairy Farmers is the recognised national policy and advocacy organisation working to improve profitability and sustainability of dairy farming in Australia. Representing Australia’s six dairying states, Australian Dairy Farmers state membership comprises representatives from Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. These state bodies are known as State Dairy Farmer Organisation (SDFO). Australian Dairy Farmers provides the SDFOs with support and representation on a national level.

For further information, contact:
Ryan Ong
Currie
Tel: 0439 575 559
Email: ryan@curriecommunications.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has welcomed a decision by Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek not to halt development of a $4.5 billion urea fertiliser production plant in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

Minister Plibersek’s decision supports fertiliser manufacturing in Australia – which helps dairy farmers deal with soaring costs of farm inputs – and preserves ancient rock art by First Nations people on the Burrup peninsula.

“We congratulate Minister Plibersek on finding a path forward,” ADF President Rick Gladigau says. “Development of the site can now proceed having already received approval from the relevant state authorities.

“Australia must urgently expand domestic urea production to secure supply and stabilise fertiliser prices. Prices have skyrocketed due to COVID disruptions, including higher shipping costs, as well as several geopolitical challenges, including fertiliser supply restrictions out of China and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.”

ADF has been advocating for the importance of shoring up Australia’s fertiliser production directly to Minister Plibersek and has lobbied for exploration and development of fertiliser production in Australia. ADF supported the previous Government’s pre-election decision to award major project status to the urea fertiliser project in the Pilbara.

Dairy farmers rely on fertilisers, including urea, to produce pasture and fodder to feed their cows and produce milk. Fertiliser prices are more than double their pre-pandemic level. The fluctuating price of natural gas – a key input in urea production – means urea prices are on a rollercoaster with no end to the volatility in sight for the dairy industry, Australia’s fourth largest agricultural industry. Australian dairying is a $13 billion farm, manufacturing and export industry that employs 43,000 Australians and feeds millions every day.

Perth-based Perdaman Chemicals and Fertilisers agreed not to begin ground disturbance works for its planned urea production plant, following claims from some Traditional Owners that the plant could accelerate degradation of the rock art. However, Minister Plibersek decided not to grant their request for an emergency pause on the project – made under section 9 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act – because it was not supported by the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, the legally constituted and democratically elected representative organisation that safeguards First Nations culture in the Burrup area. Murujuga had agreed with Perdaman on the appropriate cultural treatment of five rock art sites.

“ADF acknowledges the cooperation of the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and the consultation by Perdaman Chemicals and Fertilisers in achieving an outcome that is positive for dairy farmers,” Mr Gladigau.

About Australian Dairy Farmers

Australian Dairy Farmers is the recognised national policy and advocacy organisation working to improve profitability and sustainability of dairy farming in Australia. Representing Australia’s six dairying states, Australian Dairy Farmers state membership comprises representatives from Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. These state bodies are known as State Dairy Farmer Organisation (SDFO). Australian Dairy Farmers provides the SDFOs with support and representation on a national level.

For further information, contact:

Mark Paterson

Currie

Tel: 0409 411 110

Email: mark@curriecommunications.com.au

Federal Election: Labour remains dairy’s most immediate priority

AUSTRALIAN Dairy Farmers (ADF) is again reminding all political parties and independents that labour shortages must stay high on the agenda post this weekend’s Federal Election.

ADF President Rick Gladigau says as in many other sectors in the Australian economy, dairy is experiencing a chronic shortage of labour as a consequence of the full employment rate and the slow opening of international borders post COVID.

“The situation is desperate. Although exacerbated by COVID, this is not a new challenge and while we have made progress in advocating for an improved labour strategy and policy over the past 18 months, labour needs to be a priority for any incoming government.

“In particular we need to see the ALP increase its offering to Australian dairy farmers and the wider dairy industry. In the final days leading up to the election, we remain unclear how an Albanese-led government will assist.”

He says there are still levers available that would further assist dairy farmers’ day-to-day labour challenges.

“The call from Seniors Australia to exempt employment income from the Age Pension means test to boost workforce participation is one example that would help dairy farmers and must be supported.

“The current means testing for the age pension discourages many older Australians from working. Exempting work income from means testing means pensioners can return to work, and help meet critical labour shortages across dairy, and many other industries.”

“Dairy regions have retirees, many who wish to work; however, are not incentivised to do so due to the means test. And with many retirees already residing in dairying regions, some of the current accommodation challenges are mitigated with this proposal. It would be another proactive step in overcoming this labour hurdle. Dairy would welcome the opportunity to work with Seniors Australia and run a trial using our industry as a test case, as we need workers today.”

Mr Gladigau says the government’s National Agricultural Workforce Strategy and $30 million implementation commitment in the 2021 budget was a good start to addressing the sectoral challenge, but further investment is needed.

“At least $300 million would enable the establishment of a large-scale workforce capability fund to resolve worker shortages and build capabilities needed for the future.”

Mr Gladigau cites progress in the last 18 months as including the review of ANZSCO (the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) and upgrade of occupations and skills on a dairy farm, as well as updates to the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement which makes it easier for farmers to source staff from overseas.

“We have several members who currently have applications lodged, and with the easing of COVID travel restrictions, it is hoped application processing times are prioritised and this option becomes more viable for an increasing number of dairy farmers.”

He said the Agriculture Visa was another significant step forward, and while it has been designed and is ready for trial, there have been some difficulties commencing this trial, although Vietnam has now signed up its support.

“Ensuring this Visa is working efficiently is a top priority for the dairy sector, as we’ve specific skills shortages in areas such as AI technicians, which international jobseekers could help address.”

Mr Gladigau said despite these wins, ADF would continue to push for further support.

“Our successful launch of the national Pathway for People in Dairy and the Dairy Passport, supported by securing a $715k grant from the Victorian Government as part of the government’s $50m Agriculture Workforce Plan, demonstrates the value of both our NFF membership, and direct lobbying.”

ADF chief executive David Inall said labour shortages are being amplified by increased pressure in the housing market. Rental prices have surged, and housing prices are growing steadily. Dairy regions are often sought after for sea- or tree-change destinations. This means housing accessibility is especially constrained for dairy workers.

“To help alleviate these issues, ADF welcomes government investment for building dairy capabilities and increasing housing initiatives for regional areas – especially those that can deliver medium-density options which is the most underserved type of housing for dairy regions.”

Deloitte Access Economics estimate that a 5% increase in workforce participation from Australians over 55 would result in a $47.9bn increase to GDP.

About Australian Dairy Farmers

Australian Dairy Farmers is the recognised national policy and advocacy organisation working to improve profitability and sustainability of dairy farming in Australia. Representing Australia’s six dairying states, Australian Dairy Farmers state membership comprises representatives from Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. These state bodies are known as State Dairy Farmer Organisation (SDFO). Australian Dairy Farmers provides the SDFOs with support and representation on a national level.

For further information, contact:

Susan McNair

Currie

Tel: 0439 389 202

Email: susan@curriecommunications.com.au