‘Focusing on Policy, not Politics’: Farmer Leader’s Perspective on Canberra Protest
The rally sparked debate in Parliament, with the opposition criticising the government for prompting the largest farmer protest seen in 40 years.
A week after a few thousand farmers protested outside the Australian Parliament, David Jochinke, President of the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), said he is immensely proud of “the turnout and impact” of the event.
The rally sparked debate in Parliament, with the Opposition criticising the government’s policies that have led farmers to protest at a scale not seen since 40 years ago.
Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton and Leader of the Nationals David Littleproud joined the farmers on stage and pledged to submit to their demands if they came to power.
Farmers have been unhappy with the Labor government’s 2028 planned phase-out of live sheep exports, the resumption of water buybacks under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, increased biosecurity charges, increases to superannuation contributions, and the impact of energy development, particularly renewables.
Jochinke said that for too long, decisions have been made without adequate consultation with those who understand the land best—the farmers who work it every day.
“This rally wasn’t about politics; it was about policy. We want forward-thinking solutions that will allow Australian agriculture to thrive,” he said.
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Despite the Coalition’s best attempt to side with the farmers, they said they are ready to work with all sides of politics to develop policies that support sustainable farming practices, enhance productivity, and ensure a bright future for rural communities.
“It’s time to push back against those who seek to diminish Australian agriculture and instead focus on solutions that will keep farmers farming,” Jochinke added.
In July, the government successfully passed the Export Control Amendment (Ending Live Sheep Exports by Sea) Bill 2024 with support from the Greens.
At the protest last week, the federal opposition promised to repeal the ban.
“The first international trip I take will be to Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan to show them the respect they deserve as our great international trading partners. We’ll give them the food security they need, with the best product in the world, coming from Western Australia,” Dutton told the crowd.
Farmers gather to protest a range of issues against the federal Labor government in front of Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Sept. 10, 2024. Courtesy of the National Farmers Federation
Littleproud also backed a repeal of the ban and was queried about his position on water rights.
“I’m happy to stand here every day of the week and tell you what I did as water minister and the reforms I put in place that meant more people are sitting in regional Australia, and more businesses are still surviving, rather than this lazy buyback option,” he told the farmers.
Engaging With Farmers
The protest was not attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese nor Agriculture Minister Julie Collins. However, they met a small delegation of farmers that same morning.
Later in Parliament, Albanese said his government would give certainty to sheep producers during the phase-out.
“We’re investing $107 million to support a well-planned and responsible transition away from what is an already declining trade,” he said.
He also blamed the Opposition for playing politics with the issue, even after the law had been passed.
Meanwhile, Collins said she had engaged with farmers across the east coast of Australia since taking on the portfolio a month ago.
“I want to make sure that our farmers get the very best representation, as they did under former Minister Murray Watt, and I want to continue that important and vital work,” she said.
