July 2014

If your employees have ‘choice of fund’ you are probably paying super into multiple different super funds. This can be a complex and time consuming process, requiring you to contact and pay each fund separately.  A clearing house allows employers to pay all their super contributions in a single online payment. The clearing house then distributes employee super payment to all the funds on your behalf. Basically, you can spend less time administering super and

AgConnectWA, WAFarmers’ group for young people with an interest in agriculture, elected a new President and Vice President at its annual conference, #GenerationforChange, on the weekend. Kallum Blake of Katanning was elected to the position of President, with Katie Pole, from Larrawa Station near Fitzroy Crossing, elected as Vice President. Mr Blake thanked the outgoing President, Andrew Whitelaw, for his dedication to connecting young people in the industry and said he was eager to continue

Dairy farmers at yesterday’s WAFarmers Annual Dairy Conference united to call for more equitable and sustainable farm gate milk prices. Delegates unanimously determined to call on processors to raise the price paid per litre to farmers as demand outstripped supply.                                    “At the conference, we were presented with evidence* showing the demand for drinking milk had outstripped production for the first time earlier this year,” WAFarmers Dairy Council President Phil Depiazzi said. “Additionally, the farm gate

WAFarmers’ Grains section made a submission on the “Review of Structural Governance Options for the GRDC” to Marsden Jacobs Associates on July 21. WAFarmers supports the transitioning of GRDC into an industry-owned corporation (IOC; limited by guarantee model), provided that the new structure is sound and robust, and maintains a clear vision which continues to promote a profitable and sustainable grains industry into the future. The drawbacks of the current system are: The uncertainty associated

President Dale Park Shoppers will get carbon tax cash – AAP Farm groups welcome tax-axe – Countryman WA Farmers Federations criticises WA rail monopoly – ABC Rural Wool woes strike fine end of market as prices shorn this season – ABC Good times for WA agriculture as farmers ride a food boom – The Sunday Times/PerthNow Cattle prices seen rising – The West Meat Council President Jeff Murray Rinehart beefs up industry – South Western

All positions on the Dairy Executive (President, Senior Vice President and Vice President) are open for re-elected at this upcoming Dairy Conference on July 24. Download a nomination form here and return by Tuesday, July 22.

WAFarmers this week has welcomed the release of the Future of the beekeeping and pollination service industries in Australia report tabled this week in the Senate.   WAFarmers made a submission to the inquiry in April this year.  Amongst the ten recommendations, it is fantastic to see that many of the recommendations from WAFarmers have been included in the Senate report such as: Establishing relevant guidelines to clarify access to public lands by beekeepers. Ensuring that

Following the repeal of the carbon tax today, WAFarmers President Dale Park said he hoped the move would result in the lowering of input costs for agricultural production. WAFarmers has strongly opposed the carbon tax since it was proposed by the previous government due to the negative effect it had on farmers’ bottom line. Mr Park said the carbon tax had jeopardised the competitiveness of agriculture by increasing the costs of key production inputs, such

Wool Industry Forum Program The future of the wool industry, including current in-shed challenges and opportunities will be the focus of an afternoon forum held on 29 July at the UWA Club, Nedlands Perth. Issues around classing, quality and costs of preparing wool for sale due to changes in the sheep flock number on farm and the rising costs of wool handling will be explored. Presentations include Wool handling R&D update: Paul Swan, AWI TBC

Members are reminded the consultation period for the Emergency Services Act Concept Paper closes on July 31. The Concept Paper has been drafted based on the extensive consultation that has been undertaken. During the first stage of consultation, the Review Team met with over 450 people as part of information sessions across Western Australia. The Project Team also hosted 11 expert panel meetings between August and November 2013, with representatives of local governments, state government