It has always been known that if you run to the government for assistance it will want some form of control in return.
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After all, they could be committing taxpayer funds.
To a lesser extent, this is what happened when dairy farmers and politicians cried foul after several dairy companies tried to claw back money already paid for supply.
The government referred the issue to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
After 18 months the commission has handed down a number of recommendations.
Processors rejected these recommendations and have now threatened to withhold a million dollars in funding to the national dairy farmers’ body.
Now into the fray has come the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria who has virtually sided with the processors.
Also inherent in claims was the issue of a dollar-a-litre milk that has little to do with southern producers’ returns.
This issue could once again feed a major media frenzy now the Costco chain has announced it wants even cheaper milk.
Record
No wonder Scott Morrison is smiling.
He will quote employment figures and people moving from welfare but he surely knows what is going on in agriculture.
Australia is once again riding on the sheep’s back.
In a massive industry turnaround, Australia’s annual returns from wool exports have hit a record $3 billion. This is also pumping cash flow into rural communities.
Added to this great news, is that Victoria has just completed its largest weekly lamb kill of 228,480 lambs – up 17 per cent on last year.
About time we all say.
