Fed: ALP agriculture policy short on detail

AAP General News (Australia)
08-02-2000
Fed: ALP agriculture policy short on detail

By Shane Wright

CANBERRA, Aug 2 AAP - The Labor Party today revealed an agriculture platform long on
rhetoric but short on policy detail.

The party's agriculture spokesman Gavan (Gavan) O'Connor said in unveiling the platform
it was aimed at giving farmers and farm families choices and opportunities.

"Central to this platform is the concept that governments must provide farmers with
the infrastructure and support they need to make decisions about the future direction
of their farm businesses," he said.

The platform mentions commitments toward infrastructure, information technology, on-farm
safety, recreational and commercial fishing, but fails to spell out exactly what form
they will take.

It also gives a glimpse of a move by Labor to broaden support for those farmers who
decide to leave the land.

A spokesman for Mr O'Connor said major promises and the exact policy details were being
held back until closer to the next federal election.

As such, the platform only gives a broad brush approach to agriculture issues, but
for the first time it acknowledges the role of rural women.

"Many women in rural communities manage farm enterprises, head landcare groups, and
lead a variety of key formal and informal networks working to develop the potential of
rural communities," Mr O'Connor said.

"Labor believes that the efforts of these women deserve support from the federal government."

Many of Labor's pledges in agriculture will be tied to broader themes such as education
and training.

Farmers can expect to get some commitment on improved telecommunications link so they
can access Internet opportunities from their properties.

Increased road funding, a constant source of irritation to rural communities, is also likely.

Asset and income tests governing systems that enable farmers to leave their properties
are also expected to be liberalised.

AAP sw/mfh/hu/de t

KEYWORD: ALP AGRICULTURE

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