The Abbott Government has failed to deliver the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper within 12 months of office as promised.
Prior to the election Tony Abbott promised that his government would deliver the white paper within 12 months of office.
“The White Paper will be conducted by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and will report within 12 months. Our White Paper will also provide a clear, well-defined and transparent strategic approach to ensure the agriculture sector remains a significant contributor to the Australian economy and local communities”.
The Coalition’s policy for a competitive Agriculture sector, August 2013
The agriculture sector deserves to know when the Abbott Government will deliver its long awaited White Paper.
The Prime Minister’s website is now stating that “The White Paper is set for Completion in 2015”, no specific date, so we could see another 12 months of policy inertia.
Meanwhile, the ag sector has no clear policy and strategic guidance from the Abbott government at a time of enormous change – with both challenges and opportunities.
Barnaby Joyce and Tony Abbott can’t continue to promise farmers they’ll have answers to their questions when the White Paper is released. For many of them, it will be too late.
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