Standing Committee on
Primary Industries, Resources and Rural and Regional Affairs
Media Releases
[1] 16 JULY 1996
THE BENEFITS AND OPPORTUNITIES ASSOCIATED WITH INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL
TRADE REFORM
The Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary
Industries, Resources and Rural and Regional Affairs, Michael Ronaldson
MP (Ballarat, Victoria), today announced the commencement of an inquiry
into the benefits and opportunities associated with international trade
reform and some of the challenges Australia faces as a result of these
reforms.
The inquiry was referred to the Committee by the Minister for Primary
Industries and Energy, the Hon. John Anderson MP. The terms of reference
for the inquiry are attached.
'The conclusion of the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations in April 1994
was a great outcome for Australia, and especially Australia's primary
producers', Mr Ronaldson said today. 'The focus on agricultural trade
reform was very significant and the final outcome reflects the desires
of Australia's agricultural exporters for a fairer trading environment
in which to sell their products.'
Mr Ronaldson said that 'Australia should benefit greatly from the Uruguay
Round outcome, especially our rural sector. Estimates of the benefits
from the Round forecast that in the long term Australia's exports will
increase by $A5 billion. If we get things right the benefits of the Round
should emerge over the coming decade'.
Mr Ronaldson added, 'These benefits will result from an expansion of
commodity exports, and from increased demand for processed products, especially
food products. However, merely being a signatory guarantees you very little
in this competitive environment. Realising these benefits represents a
great challenge for Australia and achieving them will require a strategic
approach from Government and industry'.
'The Committee is particularly concerned about the way regional Australia
can benefit from the Uruguay Round', Mr Ronaldson stated. 'There exists
the opportunity for regional centres to formulate business strategies
that go beyond the export of unprocessed agricultural products and result
in a lasting benefit for these regions. Agribusiness training is one area
that the Committee has identified as being important in this process'.
The process of implementing the Uruguay Round Agreement is crucial to
the actual outcome for signatories to the World Trade Organisation (WTO)
such as Australia. Australia will have to take a very positive role to
ensure that the final outcome matches the spirit of the Agreement. Mr
Ronaldson identified non-tariff measures as an area of concern, stating
that 'gains from the agreed reforms may dwindle through the imposition
of non-tariff trade measures'.
Under the terms of reference for the inquiry the Committee can also consider
how Australia can maintain the focus of future trade negotiations on trade
reforms for primary products. One direction that is emerging from preliminary
negotiations of the WTO is the so-called 'greening of the GATT'. The imposition
of trade measures based on environmental considerations will potentially
have positive and negative impacts on Australia's primary sector.
Mr Ronaldson noted that 'with agricultural and resource based industries
likely to be the most affected by environmental trade measures, Australia
will have to take an active role in the process of setting environmental
trade guidelines to ensure they are not used as a replacement for reforms
that were reluctantly agreed to by some countries during the Uruguay Round
negotiations'.
Mr Ronaldson said that the Committee is seeking submissions to its inquiry
from interested individuals and organisations. The closing date for submissions
is 23 August 1996.
Terms of Reference
The Committee is to inquire into the benefits for regional Australia
and Australia's primary industries of, and further issues associated with,
world trade reform, including the policy implications of:
- the growing international demand for food, especially in Asia;
- the opportunities for primary industries arising from international
trade reforms globally, regionally and bilaterally;
- factors affecting Australia's international competitiveness and capacity
to realise these opportunities;
- the treatment of non-tariff measures, including quarantine, within
the World Trade Organisation and how these impact on Australia's primary
industries; and
- how the momentum for trade reform in the primary industries sector
can be maintained and encouraged on a global, regional and bilateral
level.
[2] - 26 February 1997
THE BENEFITS AND OPPORTUNITIES ASSOCIATED WITH INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL
TRADE REFORM
The Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary
Industries, Resources and Rural and Regional Affairs, Fran Bailey MP (McEwen,
Victoria), announced that the Committee would now begin collecting evidence
for its inquiry into the benefits and opportunities associated with international
trade reform.
Mrs Bailey highlighted the fact that this is not just another inquiry
to measure the benefits of the Uruguay Round. Mrs Bailey said 'We all
know that the Uruguay Round should benefit Australia's primary producers,
however, for many producers and exporters realising these benefits may
prove elusive'.
'Merely being a signatory to the agreement guarantees you very little
in this competitive environment. Realising these benefits represents a
great challenge for Australia and achieving them will require a strategic
approach from Government and industry'.
The Minister for Primary Industries and Energy, the Hon. John Anderson
MP, has not referred this inquiry to the Committee so it can pay lip service
to the free trade mantra of the Canberra bureaucracy. It is the Committee's
intention to seek advice from industry participants at all levels on what
needs to be done by Government so Australian primary industries can truly
benefit from the trade reform initiatives agreed to in the Uruguay Round.
Mrs Bailey emphasised that 'the Committee has no intention of restricting
the inquiry to discussions in Canberra with the talking heads of peak
industry groups and the bureaucracy. Certainly the opinions of these groups
are very important, however, for this inquiry to really make a difference
to the level of debate and the policies pursued by the Government the
Committee has to speak with producers and exporters who can identify what
impediments are still affecting their capacity to realise the much heralded
benefits from trade reform'.
'The Committee is especially interested to talk with industries and individuals
who have benefited from the reforms and look at what sets them apart.
What makes them successful exporters! And then identify where Government
policy can promote similar success for other primary producers'.
Mrs Bailey said 'she could not overstate the importance of individual
producers and exporters taking the opportunity to speak to the Committee
about their experiences and what areas they believe Government needs to
focus on to help promote Australian exporters access overseas markets.
It is these people who will ultimately benefit from the recommendations
the Committee makes to the Minister and it these people who I am calling
on to make a contribution to the Committee's inquiry'.
Finally, Mrs Bailey said 'The Committee is particularly concerned about
the way regional Australia can benefit from the Uruguay Round. There exists
the opportunity for regional centres to formulate business strategies
that go beyond the export of unprocessed agricultural products and result
in a lasting benefit for these regions'.
The Committee is still seeking submissions to its inquiry from interested
individuals and organisations. People wanting further information on the
inquiry and the Committee's activities should contact the Committee Chair,
Fran Bailey MP (059) 621 255 or the Committee Secretariat (06) 277 4500.
Terms of Reference
The Committee is to inquire into the benefits for regional Australia
and Australia's primary industries of, and further issues associated with,
world trade reform, including the policy implications of:
- the growing international demand for food, especially in Asia;
- the opportunities for primary industries arising from international
trade reforms globally, regionally and bilaterally;
- factors affecting Australia's international competitiveness and capacity
to realise these opportunities;
- the treatment of non-tariff measures, including quarantine, within
the World Trade Organisation and how these impact on Australia's primary
industries; and
- how the momentum for trade reform in the primary industries sector
can be maintained and encouraged on a global, regional and bilateral
level.
[3] - 10 July 1997
INQUIRY INTO THE BENEFITS OF AGRICULTURAL TRADE REFORM
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries,
Resources and Rural and Regional Affairs is paying a four-day visit to
the far north-west of Australia as part of its inquiry into Australia's
Primary Industries and Trade Reform.
The visit, led by Committee Chair Fran Bailey will take in Kununurra,
Western Australia and Bullo River Station, in the Northern Territory and
involve discussions with industry representatives and producers.
The committee will visit several farms in the Ord River district to inspect
chickpeas, melon, cotton, and beef operations and also tour the new CSR
sugar mill and a banana plantation.
The visit to Bullo River Station involves an inspection of a new breeding
program which it is hoped will produce cattle which are ideally suited
to the conditions of northern Australia and meet customer demands of export
trade to Asia.
Fran Bailey said the committee was seeking advice from all industry participants
on what action the Government needed to take so that Australian primary
industries could truly benefit international trade reform.
"This is not just another inquiry into primary industries. This
is all about helping all our primary industries realise the full benefits
of world trade reform," she said.
"This visit is part of the committee's commitment to go out into
the community to talk to producers and exporters at the grass roots level
to ensure that all factors affecting trade reform in the primary industries
sector are thoroughly examined in this inquiry."
Mrs Bailey is available to discuss the visit with journalists.
Media enquiries: Maureen Bathgate (03) 5962 1255, Fran Bailey 0419
583 647
[4] - 1 August 1997
TRADE REFORM TEAM VISITS DARLING DOWNS
Darling Downs primary producers will be given the chance to have their
say on international trade reform next week.
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries,
Resources and Rural and Regional Affairs will visit the region on Monday
August 4 and Tuesday August 5.
Committee Chair, Fran Bailey will lead the two day visit taking in farming
properties around Toowoomba, Gatton, Warwick and Oakey.
Fran Bailey said committee members would meet with producers, industry
association representatives and the Queensland Government to discuss the
opportunities and implications of international trade reform on Australia's
primary industries.
"This is not just another inquiry into primary industries. This
is all about helping our primary industries realise the full benefits
of world trade reform," she said.
The committee will inspect farms producing horticulture, grains and pigs,
as well as visiting a dairy property and one of the several beef feedlots
on the Darling Downs.
Fran Bailey said the visit represented a recognition of the sheer diversity
and volume of agricultural production on the Downs.
She said most of the wheat, barley, sorghum and pigs raised in Queensland
were produced in the region.
"This makes the region ideal for us to get representative industry
views about the impact of trade reform on primary industries in Queensland,"
she said.
"The visit will enable us to get a comprehensive picture of agriculture
in this very productive region.
"The tour is part of the committee's commitment to go out into the
community and talk to producers and exporters at the grass roots level.
Their contribution will ensure all factors affecting trade reform in the
primary industries sector, the community and economy in regional Australia
are thoroughly examined in this inquiry.'
Fran Bailey is available to discuss the visit with journalists.
Media enquires: Belinda Fraser on 1800 134 105 or (03) 5962 1255.
[5] - 15 August 1997
MEDIA ALERT
South Australian primary producers will be given the chance to have their
say on international trade reform next week.
The House of Representatives Primary Industries, Resources and Rural
and Regional Affairs standing committee will visit the region from Monday
August 18 to Wednesday August 20.
Committee chair, Fran Bailey will lead the three day visit which will
take in several farms, packing sheds and processing plants around Adelaide
and in the Riverland of South Australia.
The committee will visit several farms in Kingston, Renmark and Angaston,
to inspect almond, citrus, stone fruit, viticulture, dried fruit and fodder
operations.
The Riverland region is the largest grape growing region in Australia
and the state is a principal exporter of Australian Navel and Valencia
oranges, making up for nearly 40 per cent of the market.
Fran Bailey said committee members would meet with producers and industry
representatives seeking advice on what action the government needed to
take so that Australian primary industries could truly benefit from international
trade reform.
"This is not just another inquiry into primary industries. This
is about helping all our primary industries realise the full opportunities
of world trade reform," she said.
"This is part of the committee's commitment to go out into the community
to talk to producers and exporters at the grass roots level to ensure
that all factors affecting trade reform in the primary industries sector
are thoroughly examined in this inquiry."
Fran Bailey is available to discuss the visit with journalists.
Media enquiries: Belinda Fraser 1800 134 105 or (03) 5962 1255
[6] - 5 September 1997
MEDIA ALERT
New South Wales primary producers will be given the chance to have their
say on international trade reform next week.
The House of Representatives Primary Industries, Resources and Rural
and Regional Affairs standing committee will visit the state on Monday
September 8 and Tuesday September 9.
Committee chair, Fran Bailey will lead the two day visit which will take
in several farms and processing plants in Orange, Dubbo, Parkes and Warren.
The visit, the fourth in a national inquiry, will incorporate a number
of industries which the committee has not yet considered in previous inspections
and discussions, including wool, goat meat, wheat processing and cotton
processing.
Agriculture plays an important part in the state's economy and represents
about one quarter of national agriculture production. New South Wales
is responsible for a significant proportion of Australia's wool clip,
apple and cotton production.
Fran Bailey said committee members would meet with producers and industry
representatives seeking advice on what action the government needed to
take so that Australian primary industries could truly benefit from international
trade reform.
"This is not just another inquiry into primary industries. This
is about helping all our primary industries realise the full opportunities
of world trade reform," she said.
"This is part of the committee's commitment to go out into the community
to talk to producers and exporters at the grass roots level to ensure
that all factors affecting trade reform in the primary industries sector
are thoroughly examined in this inquiry."
As part of its inquiry, the committee has also toured the Riverland district
of South Australia, the Darling Downs in Queensland and the Ord River
region in Western Australia.
Fran Bailey is available to discuss the visit with journalists.
Media enquiries: Belinda Fraser 1800 134 105 or (03) 5962 1255
[7] - 28 October 1997
AGRICULTURAL TRADE REFORM INQUIRY TO TAKE EVIDENCE FROM THE NATIONAL
FARMERS' FEDERATION
The parliamentary inquiry into the potential benefits of agricultural
trade reform will tomorrow begin a series of public hearings by taking
evidence from the National Farmers' Federation.
The Standing Committee on Primary Industries, Resources and Rural and
Regional Affairs, chaired by Fran Bailey MP, will hold a public hearing
at 10.00am in Committee Room 1R2.
The witnesses representing the National Farmers' Federation will be:
Mr Donald McGauchie, President
Mr Lyall Howard, Director, Trade and Quarantine
For comment contact Fran Bailey 6227 4280
For information about the hearing contact the Committee Secretariat 6277
4500
[8] - 3 November 1997
MEDIA ALERT
Tasmanian primary producers will be given a chance to have their say
on international trade reform next week.
The House of Representatives Primary Industries and Rural and Regional
Affairs standing committee will visit the region from Wednesday November
5 to Friday November 7.
Committee chair, Fran Bailey will lead the three day visit which will
take in several farming properties and processing plants around Devonport,
Forth, Ulverstone, Elizabeth Town, Cressy, Perth, Launceston and St Leonards.
The committee will visit properties to inspect aquaculture, vegetable,
cheese, wool, meat and honey operations.
Tasmania’s primary industry exports have grown significantly over
recent years with the exports for 1994/95 valued at $511 million.
Fran Bailey said committee members would meet with producers and government
and industry representatives seeking advice on what action the government
needed to take so that Australian primary industries could truly benefit
from international trade reform.
“This is not just another inquiry into primary industries. This
is about helping all our primary industries realise the full opportunities
of world trade reform,” she said.
“The visit is part of the committee’s commitment to go out
in the community and talk to producers and exporters at the grass roots
level to ensure that all factors affecting trade reform in the primary
industries sector are thoroughly examined in this inquiry.”
Fran Bailey is available to discuss the visit with journalists.
Media enquiries: Belinda Fraser 1800 134 105 or (03) 5962 1255
[9] - 24 November 1997
AGRICULTURAL TRADE REFORM INQUIRY TO TAKE EVIDENCE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN
HORTICULTURAL CORPORATION
The parliamentary inquiry into the potential benefits of agricultural
trade reform will continue a series of public hearings by taking evidence
from the Australian Horticultural Corporation.
The Standing Committee on Primary Industries, Resources and Rural and
Regional Affairs, chaired by Fran Bailey MP, will hold a public hearing
at 10.00am on Wednesday 26 November 1997 in Committee Room 1R2.
The witnesses representing the Australian Horticultural Corporation will
be:
Mr John Baker,Managing Director, and
Mr Neil Offner,Export Development Manager
For comment contact Fran Bailey 6227 4280
For information about the hearing contact the Committee Secretariat 6277
4500
[10] - 2 December 1997
AGRICULTURAL TRADE REFORM INQUIRY TO TAKE EVIDENCE FROM GRAINS COUNCIL
OF AUSTRALIA
The parliamentary inquiry into the potential benefits of agricultural
trade reform will continue a series of public hearings by taking evidence
from the Grains Council of Australia.
The Standing Committee on Primary Industries, Resources and Rural and
Regional Affairs, chaired by Fran Bailey MP, will hold a public hearing
at 10.00am on Wednesday 3 December 1997 in Committee Room 1R3.
The witnesses representing the Grains Council of Australia will be:
Mr Neil Fisher, Executive Director, and
Ms Kirsten Pietzner,Research Officer.
For comment contact Fran Bailey 6277 4280
For information about the hearing contact the Committee Secretariat 6277
4500
[11] - 9 February 1998
FRAN BRINGS TRADE INQUIRY HOME
Fran Bailey, Federal Member for McEwen is to bring the Primary Industries
Committee to the Yarra Valley this week, in a visit that has been designed
to bring the current trade inquiry back to the grass roots.
"I am happy to be able to give the residents of the Yarra Valley the
chance to comment directly to the Committee, which will be delivering
its report to the Federal Parliament in a few months", said Fran, Chair
of the Standing Committee on Primary Industries, Resources and Rural and
Regional Affairs (PIRRA).
Fran will lead the two day visit starting on 10 February 1998, through
the Yarra Valley, Alexandra, Yarck and Mansfield, with a heavy focus on
local trade issues.
The Committee is currently looking into the benefits of agricultural
trade reform, and will visit local properties to inspect flowers, pasture
seeds, timber, aquaculture, and winery operations.
"Australia's primary producers will directly benefit from this inquiry,
as I am committed to providing them with a forum where local issues can
be raised and addressed at a national level, taking full advantage of
the opportunities of world trade reform" said Fran.
Fran said "This visit is part of my committee's commitment to go out
in to the community and talk directly to producers and industry groups,
ensuring that all factors affecting trade reform in the primary industries
sector are thoroughly examined."
Media contact: Abby 1800 134 105 or (03) 5962 1255 or after hours on
041 856 4993
[12] - 3 March 1998
AGRICULTURAL TRADE REFORM INQUIRY TO QUESTION TRADE OFFICIALS
The parliamentary inquiry into the potential benefits of agricultural
trade reform will continue a series of public hearings by taking evidence
from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Austrade.
The Standing Committee on Primary Industries, Resources and Rural and
Regional Affairs, chaired by Fran Bailey MP, will hold a public hearing
at 10.00 am on Wednesday 4 March in Committee Room 1R3.
The Committee will question officials about the wide spread view in the
farming community that the agricultural trade reforms so far negotiated
are being implemented in a way that is detrimental to Australia's interests.
Evidence will also be taken about the performance and effectiveness of
Austrade.
For comment on the Committee's inquiry contact Fran Bailey 6277 4280
For information about the hearing contact the Committee Secretariat on
6277 4500
[13] - 10 March 1998
AGRICULTURAL TRADE REFORM INQUIRY TO QUESTION AQIS
The parliamentary inquiry into the potential benefits of agricultural
trade reform will continue a series of public hearings by taking evidence
from officials of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.
The Standing Committee on Primary Industries, Resources and Rural and
Regional Affairs will hold a public hearing at 10.00 am on Wednesday 11
March in Committee Room 1R3.
For comment on the Committee's inquiry contact Fran Bailey 6277 4280
For information about the hearing contact the Committee Secretariat on
6277 4500
[14] - 24 March 1998
TRADE REFORM INQUIRY TO TAKE EVIDENCE FROM OFFICIALS AQIS
The parliamentary inquiry into the potential benefits of agricultural
trade reform will continue a series of public hearings by taking evidence
from officials of the Department of Primary Industries and Energy.
The Standing Committee on Primary Industries, Resources and Rural and
RegionalAffairs, chaired by Fran Bailey MP, will hold a public hearing
at 10.00 am on Wednesday 25 March in Committee Room 1R3.
For comment on the Committee's inquiry contact Fran Bailey 6277 4280
For information about the hearing contact the Committee Secretariat on
6277 4500
[15] - 22 June 1998
NOT ENOUGH BEING DONE TO CAPTURE TRADE OPPORTUNITIES
The Federal Government and industry leaders need to improve their efforts
to inform the public and grassroots farmers of the opportunities arising
from trade liberalisation, Fran Bailey, Chair of a national inquiry into
agricultural trade reform, said today.
"We need changes to the way government supports its export objectives
for agricultural industries, we need a stronger export culture among our
producers and we need to aggressively pursue the removal of trade barriers
in our overseas markets," Fran Bailey said.
The report of the inquiry - by the House of Representatives Standing
Committee on Primary Industries, Resources and Rural and Regional Affairs
- made 34 recommendations to improve Australia's position in the face
of increasing agricultural trade liberalisation.
"A partnership approach between industry and government is required to
keep the public informed on trade reform issues. Australians need to know,
and deserve to know, the reasons for adjusting to liberalised markets".
Australia exports more than 70 per cent of our agricultural production
and five times more primary products than it imports. But Australia still
represents only one per cent of world trade in agriculture. A fair, global,
rules-based trading system is vital for Australia as a small player in
the world market.
From this inquiry "the Committee believes the growth in total employment
in agriculture has been predominant in sectors which are capturing the
benefits of trade liberalisation by expanding export activities."
300,000 net jobs were created through expansion in trade according to
the Industry Commission.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advised the inquiry that
the gain in wages and living standards that have resulted from tariff
reductions is around $1,000 extra per year for each Australian family.
"Australian trade negotiators must be fully equipped with the necessary
commercial resources and skills to confidently and aggressively pursue
the removal of all trade barriers of significance to Australian interests.
"Information and transport technologies are bringing new opportunities
for agricultural producers. Australia should no longer regard itself as
'down under' but as fully integrated into world markets.
"Australia also needs to be better prepared to manage biosecurity issues
affecting trade. At the moment, industry and government are not well served
by the current fragmented approach. A Minister for Biosecurity should
be appointed with overall responsibility for the exclusion, eradication
or effective management of unwanted pests and diseases in Australia."
Reverting to past protectionist policies would not increase wealth or
jobs for Australians.
To ignore the opportunities of trade reform would force our producers
to rely on selling their products into the local market. We should aggressively
pursue the benefits of trade reform on behalf of all Australians.
Media inquiries: Fran Bailey MP Tel: 02 6277 4280
22 June 1998
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