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Tuesday, 18 October 2005 The President of the Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia (RGA), Laurie Arthur, today expressed his disbelief at the decision to deregulate the domestic “Two inquiries have found that Australia is substantially better off under the current arrangements. In fact the most recent independent report found a $45 million net public benefit to the Australian consumer,” he said. “I accept that the NSW Government was under enormous pressure from the Federal Government which was threatening to withhold payments as part of their competition policy. But it is disappointing that the NSW Government chose to act now as the rice industry is still in negotiations with the Federal Government, having proven our arrangements meet the NCC’s net benefit requirements. We therefore believe this action is premature. “Why anyone would want to change arrangements that have made our industry one of the nation’s most successful, and one that benefits all Australians, is beyond me. The Australian rice industry seeks no financial support from any Government, has annual sales of over $800 million and is the major employer in the Riverina region of NSW. “As we emerge from 4 years of the worst drought on record, the Australian rice industry is still incredibly strong and I am confident that we will continue to thrive,” he said. “But this decision to chip away at the foundations of our great industry will anger all rice growers and we call on the Federal Government to ensure they act to protect our single desk for exports,” said Mr Arthur. Media Contacts: CONTACT |
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