The Tasmanian crossbencher also wants the dairy giant’s auditors and political, business and media figures to appear before the inquiry, as well as former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett.

Senator Lambie wants Mr Kennett to tell the Senate Economics References Committee of the increased risk of suicide to farmers after milk prices were slashed.

Mr Kennett is the chair of anti-depression body beyondblue.

Senator Lambie has written to committee chair Chris Ketter, a Labor Senator, requesting more than 100 people be called before the committee.

It is not yet clear whether they will be called.

The committee is expected to report by February.

The Senate asked it to seek a “fair, long-term solution to Australia’s dairy crisis, with particular reference to fresh milk security”.

It was asked to look into the legality of retrospective elements of milk contracts, Murray Goulburn’s behaviour and any other related matters.

Among the past and present Murray Goulburn directors and key staff on Senator Lambie’s list is former managing director  Gary Helou.

He was in charge when Murray Goulburn slashed prices to farmers, starting the crisis  which has left many farmers deeply in debt and/or considering their futures.

In August, Senator Lambie told the Senate everyone in the dairy industry was making “huge profits and big money,” except farmers, who were “going broke”.

She pointed the finger at big processors and big supermarkets.

“Australia’s largest milk processor, Murray Goulburn, has just reported an increase by 61 per cent of after-tax profit, totalling $40 million, while retrospectively slashing milk prices for farmers  and leaving them with huge debts,” she said.

“The dairy crisis must be referred to a Senate committee  where big business executives, under oath, will explain their actions to all of Australia.”

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