Australian govt introduces bill to simplify ag export legislation
A bill was introduced in Australia's parliament this week which the government says is aimed at better supporting exporters and farmers by minimizing the cost of doing business.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce, said the bill forms part of the Coalition Government’s work to ensure there are appropriate regulatory settings in place to help drive productivity.
“Over the 35 years since the Export Control Act 1982 commenced, the legislation governing agricultural exports has ballooned into a complex web of regulation—17 Acts and over 40 legislative instruments to meet the needs and challenges of the international trade environment,” Joyce said.
“We need something more coherent in place so that the rules for exporting are simpler and easier to understand and comply with.”
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Anne Ruston, said this new legislation will provide our exporters more opportunity to innovate and the confidence to pursue lucrative export opportunities, particularly for new and emerging industries.
“This Bill ensures that Australian agricultural exports can continue to capitalise on international markets opportunities and meet the challenges that come with changing consumer preferences,” Ruston said.
Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Luke Hartsuyker, said there will be no change to Australia’s commitment to meet the importing country requirements of our trading partners.
“Australia is the proud exporter of high quality, clean and green produce that meets extremely high standards set by our international trading partners, and the new Bill will ensure our excellent global reputation remains firmly intact.”
Tony Mahar of the National Farmers’ Federation welcomed the introduction of the bill, while Australian Food and Grocery Council CEO Tanya Barden also expressed support.
The bill has been developed in consultation with industry representatives, state and territory governments and overseas trading partners, according to the government.
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