Reflecting on a big year in advocacy

Looking back on a year of progress

Reflecting on 2024, it’s clear that this year has been difficult for farmers. A dry season, low commodity prices, freight and shipping issues, higher interest rates, etc. However, I think we have marked a turning point for TasFarmers. We are now seen as a credible voice for the Tasmanian agriculture sector. 

Today, what stands out most is that we are being seen, heard, and acted upon. It might sound clichéd, but decision-makers and government are actively seeking our input on critical agricultural issues.

Given that nearly every aspect of farmers’ lives intersect with government, this recognition as a respected peak body is essential for advancing your interests.

It’s been a big year in the advocacy and policy space. This includes progress in irrigation investment and management, steadfast opposition to the fire levy, advancements in animal welfare reforms, and securing funding for the compulsory implementation of Electronic Identification Devices.

We continue to negotiate for special benefit payments, advocate for tractor education in schools, sensible firearm reforms, and promote ongoing wildlife management. Additionally, we are leading the charge for council rate reforms and other key initiatives.

The list goes on, as we have lobbied for and achieved a review of the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme, fighting against unfair superannuation changes and launching the farm access code in partnership with the Victorian Farmers Federation.  This approach may soon be adopted nationally by the federal government as the gold standard for treating farmers when seeking access to private land.

What I am most proud of is how we go about the business of advocacy. We don’t always get it spot on, but our success rate is very high, this is because of our high professionalism and the way the TasFarmers team works together. 

We are fortunate to have such a dedicated team, led by CEO, Nathan Calman who are all seriously laser-focused, the envy of many organisations. To augment the work of staff we also have the Board, Council and Committees working, to make up the team. 

Three or four years ago, a major criticism of the organisation was that it was inward-looking. That’s no longer the case. Today, we’re outward-focused and achieving significant wins for the benefit of our members. 

Looking Ahead

Turning our thoughts to the immediate future, the federal election looms large. We are working diligently to present strong, foundational strategies for the industry to both major political parties, aiming to secure a bipartisan approach that supports agriculture's long-term success.

TasFarmers must overcome significant hurdles to convince decision-makers to move away from ideological policy often driven by the non-rural community on the eastern seaboard to a science-based methodology of policy formulation. 

There are some tough battles ahead, but if we can get the adults in the room, we can have sensible discussions. These discussions will focus on issues such as carbon emissions, ecosystem services, forestry, farm forestry, environmental reporting and ensuring the government avoids operating outside the public sphere. 

The government's role is to create certainty by not interfering in the private sector by over-regulating land use, and thereby adding more red tape for farm businesses. 

Activist and single-issue ideologue politicians no longer pass the pub test for the average Australian, they're clogging the system and wasting time. We expect pragmatic sensible science-based outcomes from our parliaments. 

We thought we saw an opportunity at the last election but have yet to grasp it. Many have said that a minority government would be good, it will generate new ideas, and legislation will be amended and changed appropriately. 

On the other hand, we've seen an ever-increasing number of gotcha moments and time-wasting in Parliament. People have been very opportunistic and destabilising for their own benefit, creating uncertainty. All this does is reduce confidence and investment in Tasmania.

The electorate spoke loudly when former members of parliament John Tucker and Lara Alexander decided to hold Tasmania back for their own interests. 

Federally the polls suggest that the election may result in a hung parliament. The outcome remains uncertain, and the influence of the Teals on this election is unclear.

What is pleasing for agricultural politics in Tasmania is we have the adults in the room, most of the Ag policy is bipartisan, and we have terrific relations with all political parties. 

Global Challenges and Opportunities

In 2025, the situation in the Middle East may show signs of stabilisation. However, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine remains uncertain and continues to pose significant challenges which will certainly affect our grain markets. 

Energy prices may also be impacted by Putin potentially cutting supply to Europe, or if the Middle East erupts which will in turn impact fuel and energy prices around the world. 

The other unknown is the impact of President Donald Trump's trade war with China or even the possible impact of tariffs on Australia. If Trump imposes a 60% tariff on China, he'll say that on balance, it's good for America, but if China doesn't export to the states, then much of our raw resources won't need to be used in manufacturing. 

This can only result in higher inflation for America, and a slowdown in the world economy which will cause a world of pain in higher interest rates, to which Australia will not be immune. 

As we head into the new year, from myself, the board and all the TasFarmers team we wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, bumper crops and higher prices.