Fed: ALP says wheat authority will listen to intensive ag sectors

AAP General News (Australia)
08-20-2004
Fed: ALP says wheat authority will listen to intensive ag sectors

Australia's wheat police will have to take into consideration the nation's intensive
farming industries under a Labor government.

Opposition agriculture spokesman GAVAN O'CONNOR says under a Labor government the Australian
Wheat Authority -- which polices the wheat export monopoly held by the Australian Wheat
Board -- would be made to consult with a new intensive industries council.

It follows concerns from industries such as pork and dairy that the authority, and
through it the export monopoly, drives up domestic grain prices.

Mr O'CONNOR says Labor will form an intensive industries council that would formally
meet with the agriculture minister at least twice a year.

He says the authority would also have to take on board the concerns of the intensive
industries council.

AAP RTV sw/jv/psm/

KEYWORD: WHEAT (CANBERRA)

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