 |
|
|
6th March 2008
Rev Fred Nile Reports on State Development Committee
The Rev Hon Fred Nile MLC, Leader of the Christian Democratic Party, gave the following address before the Legislative Council in State Parliament yesterday regarding the work of the Standing Committee on State Development:
“I was pleased to be a member of the special inquiry of the Standing Committee on State Development. The inquiry occurred at a time of great stress in the farming community. The terms of reference were as follows:
1. That the Standing Committee on State Development inquire into and report on the agricultural industry in NSW, in particular:
(a) The contribution of agriculture and agricultural-based products to the NSW economy,
(b) Impediments to sustaining appropriate levels of productive capacity and growth in the agricultural industry, and
(c) Initiatives to address impediments to sustaining appropriate levels of productive capacity and growth in the agricultural industry, having regard to the NSW State Plan priority areas of ‘Growing Prosperity Across NSW’ and ‘Environment for Living’.
The committee had a number of meetings at Parliament House to consider these
issues and also visited regional areas and received encouraging responses from
the farming community and local government in evidence at various centres such
as Cootamundra. Forums also were held at which people could make contributions
to the committee. The report covers a number of areas. Chapter 2 deals with
agriculture and the New South Wales economy. It confirms the important role
agriculture plays in New South Wales and Australia in creating jobs in rural
areas and the support those jobs provide for communities.
All parties support decentralisation, but it will not happen without a strong agricultural industry to provide jobs and income for families in outback areas. Agriculture makes a substantial contribution to Australia's export earnings. In addition, the non-economic value of agriculture goes beyond tourism and environmental values. Agriculture provides to this State's gross domestic product approximately 2.8 per cent, that is, $9 billion—around 6.1 per cent or $18 billion when the multiplier effect of agriculture on other industries is considered. Governments of both persuasions always focus on supporting agriculture. The Labor Party highlighted its support with the development of Country Labor as part of its political agenda”, Rev Fred Nile said.
“The committee also examined land management and the future of agriculture. We visited a number of experimental stations and saw various crops being grown and developed for testing, which would provide assistance to farmers who would plant those crops. We also considered sustainable farming practices to protect the environment—so important in this day and age—and also conservation methods to enable farmers to better prepare for drought. The committee travelled throughout the State at the peak of the drought when farmers were suffering greatly and struggling under great stress to maintain their properties. It was good for the committee to visit drought-affected areas to show farmers that Parliament and members of Parliament care about their plight and needs, and that the committee, to the best of its members' abilities, would make recommendations to assist them.
An enterprise with potential growth is the harvesting of native species, but development of that initiative could be a two-edge sword. It is a controversial subject, but the committee has noted the potential for improved marketing and promotion of products from native species, such as kangaroo meat and mallee as a fuel source. I am aware that a section of the community wants to protect kangaroos because of a belief that the kangaroo is in danger of extinction. However, farmers in regional areas feel quite differently and say that they face a kangaroo plague. I believe a practical rather than an emotional approach should be adopted to consideration of that issue.
The committee also considered the production of biofuels, which it regards as an important new industry. In some respects there is potential for conflict between crops being used for food versus crops used for fuel. If more profit can be obtained by selling crops for biofuel, that could lead to a shortage of food that is used to feed the community or for export markets. A careful approach should be adopted to striking a balance, and the Government should maintain a watching brief to ensure that the appropriate balance is achieved and maintained. I was pleased to participate in the inquiry. The report has many positive recommendations. The committee looks forward to the Government implementing its recommendations in due course”, stated Rev Nile.