Federal Minister for Agriculture, Tony Burke, has introduced reforms to wheat marketing to Parliament this afternoon, almost closing the chapter on one of the most turbulent eras in the Australian wheat industry.
The Wheat Export Marketing Bill 2008 was read into parliament late today, with some changes included from a recent Senate Inquiry into the impact of the legislation.
The Bill does not include regulation or access requirements for up-country facilities because the Government believed it would create increased compliance costs which would be passed onto growers.
The Act will allow co-operatives to export wheat, however individuals are still restricted from exporting their own wheat - it must be done through a company or co-operative.
The Government will provide $5 million in seed funding to help Wheat Exports Australia through the transition period with the start of the new Act.
An additional $600,000 will be provided to help create a better market data system, and enable marketers to develop arrangements to deliver technical market suppot.
The Government will also provide $1.5m for information sessions for growers and major customers to start in July.
Mr Burke said Australia's wheat marketing arrangements must be changed is the Australian wheat industry is to realise its true potential in the global market place.
The Act will be reviewed in 2010.
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