The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) will ensure that issues affecting the meat industry are heard and addressed by whoever forms government on the March 25 NSW State Election.
“With the NSW Election on March 25, polls are indicating that there is a good chance that NSW will see a change in government and perhaps even a minority government.
“As well as tackling major challenges and policy shifts underway on the national stage, such as trade policy and industrial relations reform, AMIC will continue to engage the New South Wales Government to address the state-specific concerns of our processor, smallgoods and retail members.” said AMIC CEO Patrick Hutchinson.
The Australian Meat Industry Council has identified areas in which the meat industry needs to work with the New South Wales Government such as:
- Gaining a commitment by the NSW Government to agree to a harmonised rollout of sheep and goat eID (electronic Identification)
- Address labour shortages by increasing the number of fee-free apprenticeships and traineeships.
- Lower payroll tax.
- An increased focus on Animal disease breakout preparedness.
- Address the cost of energy to businesses.
AMIC would like to see the next NSW Government to commit to nationally harmonised sheep and goat eID timelines.
“Having consistent sheep and goat traceability requirements across state and territory borders will reduce uncertainty and disruption to commercial activity.
“Harmonisation will minimise the complexity for businesses operating and transacting across state borders and enable clear and consistent communication of changes to stakeholders along the supply chain.
“A harmonised transition to eID will allow Australia to present a united and straight-forward message of changes to trading partners.” Mr Hutchinson said.
Like all businesses, businesses in the meat industry are suffering from a critical labour shortage and AMIC supports an increase in fee-free apprenticeships and traineeships in NSW to help address this shortage.
Lowering payroll tax will also go a long way in helping businesses in the meat industry get through difficult times.
“Like all industry, our industry is suffering from a labour shortage, particularly skilled labour and by increasing the amount for fee-free apprenticeships and traineeships in NSW, the Government can make a real difference in the output of the industry.
“Lowering the payroll tax rate will help the meat industry deal with increasing costs and ultimately it could help the amount that consumers pay at their local independent butchers and supermarkets.
“Cost of living is a real issue and this can be eased by lowering the tax burden on businesses in NSW.
“As soon as the election is over, AMIC is excited to continuing working whoever is in Government to ensure the long-term viability of the meat industry and the security of our food chain.” Mr Hutchinson said.
ENDS
About
The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC), is the sole Peak Industry body representing the post-farm gate meat industry, including processors, smallgoods manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors through to independent retail butchers and exporters.
Media contact
Keith Drain – Communications Manager
M: 0429 040 128
