Liberal National Party Shadow Minister for Agriculture Tony Perrett has commended the Federal Government for its decision to uphold its 2017 Sugar Code of Conduct.
“The decision is good news for Queensland cane growers as it provides a safety net against Labor’s impending moves to unwind state protections,” Mr Perrett said.
“The Federal Code alongside the State’s 2015 protections have helped to address the imbalance of power that exists between growers and milling companies.
“Unfortunately, the Palaszczuk Labor Government has refused to guarantee not changing the LNP’s 2015 sugar marketing laws that protect growers.
“LNP’s sugar marketing laws don’t impose any onerous or difficult conduct and Annastacia Palaszczuk is betraying farmers by not showing her support.
“Queensland’s $2.5 billion cane industry is one of the state’s biggest agricultural exports. The code simply gives farmers a fair go and underpins grower confidence.”
Mr Perrett said Labor’s lack of support could not be at a worse time for an industry that is struggling with low commodity prices caused by illegal sugar dumping from India.
“It’s unacceptable that Annastacia Palaszczuk in her role as Trade Minister refuses to take up the issue with the Indian Government,” he said.
“Australia is the third largest sugar exporter in the world. We can only remain strong by maintaining our sugar marketing laws.
“I can assure cane growing families, mill workers and regional communities that the Liberal National Party will always put their interests first”.
