Wheat Exports Australia, the Wheat Export Accreditation Scheme and the Wheat Export Charge – all measures put in place to aid industry’s transition away from the AWB’s single desk – will be abolished and bulk wheat exports fully deregulated.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, said the Bill removes unnecessary red tape and promotes competition within the wheat industry.
"A fully deregulated market means wheat exporters can sell their product to who they want, when they want, ensuring the best price for their wheat in the market,” Minster Ludwig said.
"Deregulation has been a long time coming. It’s great to see that the wheat industry will finally achieve it."
The government agreed to amendments to the Bill that will see the formation of a wheat export industry taskforce to examine wheat export standards and the reporting of up country stocks information.
A code of conduct for port access will also be made mandatory.
Minister Ludwig said the amendments support the government’s view that industry should drive the development of industry-good functions.
“Now is the time for industry to work together, bulk handlers, exporters and growers, to move the industry forward,” he said.
The government will form a taskforce to examine current arrangements along the supply chain and provide recommendations on the appropriate use of surplus funds from the Wheat Export Charge.
That taskforce will provide a new process for industry to work together in a deregulated market into the future.”
Industry will be consulted on taskforce membership and Terms of Reference, and on the port access code, prior to them being finalised.
