EARLIER this year NSW Farmers and the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), along with other industry representative bodies lobbied federal parliamentarians to prevent the removal of the Fuel Tax Credit Scheme. The scheme was protected in this month’s federal budget.
Agriculture is the largest user of the scheme, amounting to $33 billion annually, but it is also used by other sectors including mining, maritime and viticulture. Imagine if a port had to pay full whack for the diesel they use to dredge the port or operate their tugs? It would add immeasurably to the cost of shipping.
That's why it is well worth our efforts to keep politicians educated about the value of this credit scheme, even when there is no immediate threat to it. It underlines one of the major values of the association - maintaining and defending current schemes that benefit farmers.
We participated in and supported the NFF’s #SaveTheWriteOff campaign, which lobbied for the retention of the $20,000 instant asset write off scheme. This month’s federal budget saw the popular measure saved for another year.
Another big achievement for our membership during the past year has been the passing of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 which will repeal the Native Vegetation Act of 2003. There will, however, be a huge amount of ongoing work to ensure the codes and regulations under the act are workable. None of these achievements happen by accident.
As treasurer, I applaud all our loyal members who renew their membership subscription each year. The revenue not only helps fund our efforts but more importantly every new member enables our voice to be amplified - and not just on a state level.
The more members we have, the more those who make the decisions which affect our profitability have to take notice of our demands.