State Government
‘Snub’ To Farmers

June 17, 2015

Member for Nanango – and Shadow Minister for Agriculture – Deb Frecklington has attacked the State Government for ignoring agriculture in its new Small Business Advisory Council.

She said the Opposition was “shocked but not surprised” that Labor had no room for the agricultural sector in its key business advisory panel.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk convened the first meeting of the Business Advisory Council on June 9.

She said the Council had formalised her “open door policy with business leaders” to encourage more investment in Queensland.

“This Council will include business and industry leaders representing a wide cross-section of the economy,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Whether it’s the resources sector, skills and training, property development or construction, or one of our emerging sectors like IT, these business leaders will bring to the table a variety of perspectives and ideas that can inform government policy.”

Mrs Frecklington said the fact that agriculture had been ignored in the representation was “a disgraceful snub” to an industry which provides one-third of Australia’s primary produce.

“The LNP understood the importance of agriculture by declaring them one of the four pillars of Queensland’s economy. Labor’s response is to close the door on them,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“This is typical of Labor, they have a history of ignoring the agriculture sector. If they aren’t making decisions to satisfy their Green preference deals they are caught up with pay back deals to union bosses.

“This decision to not invite any representative to the Business Advisory Council means Labor is once again thumbing its nose to the 35,000 agricultural businesses across the State.

“It beggars belief that an industry that contributes more than $10 billion to the State’s economy every year is given the cold shoulder by this government.”

Queensland has the largest area of agricultural land of any Australian state and the highest proportion of land area in Australia dedicated to agriculture.

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Premier’s Business Advisory Council members:

  Rural