National Farmers Federation digs in behind Coalition on policy

The National Farmers Federation has endorsed the Coalition over Labor on an overwhelming majority of its policy priorities ahead of the federal election on Saturday.

National Farmers Federation president Fiona Simson.

The National Farmers Federation has endorsed the Coalition over Labor on an overwhelming majority of its policy priorities ahead of the federal election on Saturday, in a new election guide for voters released on Monday.

The NFF’s voting guide is aimed at helping rural voters “cut through the spin” by ranking each major party on issues pertinent to agriculture and the bush.

The NFF scrutinised the response of each major party to its “Time To Thrive” election platform and ranked them on their commitment to supporting the “momentum of agriculture and ­regional Australia”.

Major platforms included strengthening supply chains, boosting Australia’s global reputation and exports, climate change, sustainable water management, regional connectivity, securing farm workforce, tax and strengthening competition laws.

From 14 election priorities, the Coalition ranked above Labor on 12. The guide will be sent to all members via email, calling on them to choose parties and candidates that “support the invest­ments, innovations and policy proposals identified by regional voters as key to continued success of business and communities”.

Labor has been penalised for its rejection of the long-awaited agriculture visa, after announcing it will scrap it in favour of the establishment of a separate visa under the Pacific Island Labor Scheme.