Farmers Handed Short End Of Budget Stick

The Albanese Labor Government has continued its legacy of increasing taxes and red tape through the May 2023 Budget, taking aim at Australia’s agricultural producers.

Numerous measures implemented in the Budget will leave farmers with the “short end of the budget stick”, according to the Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox.

Mr. Willcox said that Labor have used the May Budget as a platform to unveil an array of new taxes, some of which punish Australian farmers.

One of these taxes was the new ‘Fresh Food Tax’, which takes the shape of a ‘bio-security levee’ forced onto farmers to bolster border security measures.

However, the Dawson MP has highlighted how this measure is charging Aussie farmers to quality-check international importers’ goods. 

“The Labor Government are charging Aussie farmers to make it easier for competitors to import their goods here. It’s charging farmers to quality-check their competition”, Mr. Willcox said.

“The Coalition proposed a cost recovery model that importers would pay corresponding to the risk provided, rather than farmers, and the model was ready for implementation before the end of the year.

“If an overseas importer hasn’t secured the safety of their product, the Labor Government shouldn’t be punishing our primary producers for this.

Another tax announced by the Treasurer was the ‘Truckie Tax’.

“Labor is aiming to increase the road user charge by approximately 19% over three years, making it that much more expensive to get produce from paddock to plate.

“This will increase the price for both our farmers and the customers at the checkout.

“I don’t understand how the Treasurer can justify throwing these taxes on our most important industries.

“This isn’t fiscal management; this is daylight robbery.

Another centrepiece of Labor’s second budget was energy price rebates. However, Andrew Willcox is concerned any potential price relief will be nullified by significant energy price hikes under the Government’s watch.

“Average energy bills for businesses, which includes our farmers, are set to increase by around $1,700.

“What’s the incentive for our farmers to keep feeding our nation? They’re paying through their teeth to operate, energy prices are through the roof, and all the Government can do is slog them with a raft of brand-new taxes.

Peak farming body, the National Farmers Federation, has also criticised Labor’s second budget, highlighting the damage the Government’s policies will have on Australian farmers.

“Right along the supply chain, the businesses which grow, process and transport our food and fibre are under immense pressure”, the farming group explained.

“Sadly, [the Budget] fails to act [on the major issues] in any meaningful way.”

Andrew Willcox has reiterated his support for Australian farmers, stating they are the bedrock of the nation’s growth.

“Without food and fibre, the country starves and under the current rising cost of living crisis now is not the time to add more pressure on grocery and retail prices.

“With workforce shortages a top issue in Australia, our farmers are working around the clock to get food on our tables. They do not need further hits from the Government making it harder. 

I am urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to come and visit Dawson and see firsthand where his food comes from.