Members may be aware that just before Christmas 2013 the Standing Council on Primary Industries, which brought together the state, territory and federal agriculture ministers for regular meetings, appears to have been scrapped by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).
Since the announcement, there has been no information forthcoming to industry as to what mode of communication will be used for the purpose of cross jurisdiction agreements that need to be made within the agricultural industry.
This appears to be a clear signal that agriculture is not on the COAG’s priority list over the next 12 to 18 months – a very disappointing outcome.
We will keep members updated on any developments in this area.