Former Gippsland MP calls on Littleproud to save the dairy industry

In a rare interview, former ag minister Peter Nixon has called on the government to back a milk levy to save the Australian dairy industry.

Aust former politician Prime Minister John Gorton with Peter Nixon in 1970. Mr Nixon has spoken out about his vision to save the dairy industry.

NATIONAL Party statesman Peter Nixon has called on his successor as agriculture minister to introduce a 40c fresh milk levy to save the ailing Australian dairy industry.

In a rare interview, Mr Nixon endorsed veteran businessman John Dahlsen’s plan to establish an independent financial mechanism for the dairy sector, noting that one in four Victorian dairy farmers had left the sector since 2016.

The former Gippsland MP encouraged Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud to meet with Mr Dahlsen and former World Trade Organisation director Gary Sampson to discuss measures to prevent the long-term drift of not only dairy but other agricultural sectors.

“John Dahlsen’s plan (fresh milk levy) is well considered and necessary for the long-term viability of our dairy industry,” Mr Nixon told The Weekly Times.

“When a quarter of all Victorian dairy farmers leave the industry in only four of five years, clearly there are deep problems that one or two good seasons will not paper over.”

In recent times, Mr Littleproud has deferred to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on the issue of intervention in the dairy sector, particularly on the matter of stagnating farmgate prices.

“If an issue such as this happened on our watch, there would be no hesitation in taking action — Doug Anthony and Malcolm Fraser would not hesitate, I wouldn’t hesitate,” Mr Nixon said. “It’s time for the current government to do what it can — this is not a matter for the ACCC, it’s a matter for government.”

Alongside former party leaders Doug Anthony and Ian Sinclair, Mr Nixon is considered one of the National Party’s greatest figures and was a driving force behind the Fraser Government’s pro-agriculture agenda between 1975 and 1983.

“One of the concerns raised by the Government in taking action to support the dairy industry is that it will be against the rules of the World Trade Organisation,” Mr Nixon said.

“But as Gary Sampson clearly argued in The Weekly Times recently, it is clear the WTO is very tolerant of a lot of support measures that are being used by other countries.

“It would be worthwhile for the Government to listen to Gary Sampson, given his many years with the WTO, and for the Government to commission his services in investigating our approach to trade in light of the issues raised.”

Mr Dahlsen was honoured to have Mr Nixon’s support and said it was now time for Mr Littleproud to take action on aiding the dairy sector.

“Australian dairy farmers are leaving the industry and who can blame them? The current trajectory for our dairy sector ensures further decline in the coming decade,” the ex-Woolworths chairman said.

“Under my proposal, a 40c levy is the most desirable outcome.”

Mr Littleproud’s office was contacted by The Weekly Times but did not respond in time for deadline.

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