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Monday, 18 April 2005 The RGA has called on the State Government to commit its support for the current vesting arrangements in place for the rice industry in NSW. “The Australian rice industry has been able to demonstrate it returns national and regional benefits to Australia generating around $400 million in export revenue,” said RGA President, Laurie Arthur. “It has since been discovered, that current arrangements also deliver an additional annual benefit around $60 million resulting from effective single desk export marketing and do not require financial support from the Australian tax payer,” said Mr Arthur. “Australian Ricegrowers receive no subsidies from Government yet our competitors in the global market enjoy massive subsidised support from their Governments. Mr Arthur went on to say the Australian domestic rice market is completely open and the most contestable ensuring Australian rice consumers benefit from low prices. “Over 30% of rice consumed in Australia is imported and competes against Australian grown rice. There are no tariffs or duties – the market is completely open and transparent”. Mr Arthur said. “The current arrangements have enormous support among growers and provides employment for 8,000 regional Australians,” he said. The NSW Government has been reviewing rice marketing in NSW under the Marketing of Primary Products Act of 1983. The review of rice marketing arrangements is being undertaken under the National Competition Principles Agreement between the NSW and Australian Governments. CONTACT |
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