ADIC welcomes repeal of the Carbon Tax

The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) has welcomed the repeal of the Carbon Tax following this morning’s vote in the Senate.

ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell, said while the dairy industry is not immune to a changing climate, the passage of the Federal Government’s Carbon Tax Repeal Bill through the Senate was positive news for Australian dairy farmers.

“The dairy industry is committed to reducing the industry’s carbon emissions under the Australian Dairy Industry Sustainability Framework. Farms and factories are taking up new technologies and methods such as energy efficient and clean energy alternatives,” Mr Campbell said.

“However, the carbon tax added to the cost of production for dairy farmers and processors and made us less competitive compared to our key international competitors.

“At a time when we face stiff competition into key markets like China, we need government policy that helps the dairy industry to be as cost-effective and competitive as possible, while still achieving our goal of reducing emissions.”

Mr Campbell said the carbon tax needs to be replaced by a credible and effective mechanism to reduce carbon emissions in line with Australia’s international obligations and our international competitors.

“It remains to be seen whether the Direct Action scheme, including the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF), will offer much of an incentive to the dairy industry and the agricultural sector in general, to further reduce emissions,” he said.

“We expect the Federal Government to meet its commitment to reduce emissions and to make sure its investment in Direct Action and other program achieves this outcome.”

Media Contact:

Karl Liebich, Media Officer

T: (03) 8621 4200

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au