❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses concerns about the viability of the dairy industry due to low milk prices, potential impacts on consumers, and seeks assurance of government support. The Minister's response highlights past support and emphasizes the industry's responsibility for its own financial stability.
AnsweredQoN 392Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Will the Minister advise whether, with below cost of production milk prices to dairy farmers, Western Australian dairy herds are increasingly being sold off for live export, and the properties are being used for other agricultural production, such as trees, beef and lifestyle farming; and
(a) if so, would this ultimately have an effect on quality and milk production?
(2) If the Western Australian dairy industry were to be substantially further reduced, in farmer numbers or total milk production, what are the price implications for consumers if retailers had to rely on imports to meet daily milk and associated dairy product requirements?
(3) Does the Minster have the support of the State Government to support and maintain a viable, productive, and financially stable dairy industry for both producers and consumers in Western Australia?
(4) In light of the fragile financial state of many Western Australian dairy farmers, when will the Minister make known the Government’s position either supporting the Western Australian dairy industry or allowing market forces to take their toll?
(a) if so, would this ultimately have an effect on quality and milk production?
(2) If the Western Australian dairy industry were to be substantially further reduced, in farmer numbers or total milk production, what are the price implications for consumers if retailers had to rely on imports to meet daily milk and associated dairy product requirements?
(3) Does the Minster have the support of the State Government to support and maintain a viable, productive, and financially stable dairy industry for both producers and consumers in Western Australia?
(4) In light of the fragile financial state of many Western Australian dairy farmers, when will the Minister make known the Government’s position either supporting the Western Australian dairy industry or allowing market forces to take their toll?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
13 September 2005
Responded by
Minister representing the Minister for Agriculture and Forestry
Response time
12 days
Dairy Australia reports that 73 per cent of former Australian dairy farms are still owned by the same family who ran them as dairies. Most remain involved in commercial agriculture, with only 3 per cent of former dairy farms classified as "idle". (a) Dairy Australia expects Western Australian milk production to fall by less than 5 per cent in the coming year. Western Australian milk consistently meets Food Standards Australia and New Zealand's quality standards and has the lowest bacterial counts in Australia. I expect that to continue. (2) Milk production would have to fall by more than 50 per cent before fresh milk supplies are threatened. The characteristics of the national retail market suggest that prices would remain broadly similar, even in the hypothetical scenario the Member has put forward. (3) The State Government does assist where appropriate, but it is ultimately the role of farmers and processors to ensure that their businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. (4) The WA Government has a proud record of support for the dairy industry. Western Australia was the only State to provide a Dairy Assistance Package to help offset the effects of deregulation. This added $27 million to the $122 million in restructure funds provided to Western Australian dairy Farmers by the Australian Government. This included $10 million to establish the farmer owned Challenge Dairy Co-operative. The Government supported the Legislative Assembly Economics and Industry Committee inquiry into the Sustainability of the Dairy Industry in 2003 and has actively sought to implement its recommendations. This has included the establishment of a special loan facility for agricultural co-operatives and a rural counseling service in the South West. The Government has been tireless in its examination of options to increase the market power of dairy farmers. This has included support for Dairy Western Australia's Application for Authorisation to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for the establishment of a voluntary Milk Negotiation Agency. Notwithstanding the considerable assistance that the Government has provided, and continues to provide to the dairy industry, it is ultimately up to farmers and processors to ensure that their own businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
(a) Dairy Australia expects Western Australian milk production to fall by less than 5 per cent in the coming year. Western Australian milk consistently meets Food Standards Australia and New Zealand's quality standards and has the lowest bacterial counts in Australia. I expect that to continue. (2) Milk production would have to fall by more than 50 per cent before fresh milk supplies are threatened. The characteristics of the national retail market suggest that prices would remain broadly similar, even in the hypothetical scenario the Member has put forward. (3) The State Government does assist where appropriate, but it is ultimately the role of farmers and processors to ensure that their businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. (4) The WA Government has a proud record of support for the dairy industry. Western Australia was the only State to provide a Dairy Assistance Package to help offset the effects of deregulation. This added $27 million to the $122 million in restructure funds provided to Western Australian dairy Farmers by the Australian Government. This included $10 million to establish the farmer owned Challenge Dairy Co-operative. The Government supported the Legislative Assembly Economics and Industry Committee inquiry into the Sustainability of the Dairy Industry in 2003 and has actively sought to implement its recommendations. This has included the establishment of a special loan facility for agricultural co-operatives and a rural counseling service in the South West. The Government has been tireless in its examination of options to increase the market power of dairy farmers. This has included support for Dairy Western Australia's Application for Authorisation to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for the establishment of a voluntary Milk Negotiation Agency. Notwithstanding the considerable assistance that the Government has provided, and continues to provide to the dairy industry, it is ultimately up to farmers and processors to ensure that their own businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
(2) Milk production would have to fall by more than 50 per cent before fresh milk supplies are threatened. The characteristics of the national retail market suggest that prices would remain broadly similar, even in the hypothetical scenario the Member has put forward. (3) The State Government does assist where appropriate, but it is ultimately the role of farmers and processors to ensure that their businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. (4) The WA Government has a proud record of support for the dairy industry. Western Australia was the only State to provide a Dairy Assistance Package to help offset the effects of deregulation. This added $27 million to the $122 million in restructure funds provided to Western Australian dairy Farmers by the Australian Government. This included $10 million to establish the farmer owned Challenge Dairy Co-operative. The Government supported the Legislative Assembly Economics and Industry Committee inquiry into the Sustainability of the Dairy Industry in 2003 and has actively sought to implement its recommendations. This has included the establishment of a special loan facility for agricultural co-operatives and a rural counseling service in the South West. The Government has been tireless in its examination of options to increase the market power of dairy farmers. This has included support for Dairy Western Australia's Application for Authorisation to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for the establishment of a voluntary Milk Negotiation Agency. Notwithstanding the considerable assistance that the Government has provided, and continues to provide to the dairy industry, it is ultimately up to farmers and processors to ensure that their own businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
The characteristics of the national retail market suggest that prices would remain broadly similar, even in the hypothetical scenario the Member has put forward. (3) The State Government does assist where appropriate, but it is ultimately the role of farmers and processors to ensure that their businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. (4) The WA Government has a proud record of support for the dairy industry. Western Australia was the only State to provide a Dairy Assistance Package to help offset the effects of deregulation. This added $27 million to the $122 million in restructure funds provided to Western Australian dairy Farmers by the Australian Government. This included $10 million to establish the farmer owned Challenge Dairy Co-operative. The Government supported the Legislative Assembly Economics and Industry Committee inquiry into the Sustainability of the Dairy Industry in 2003 and has actively sought to implement its recommendations. This has included the establishment of a special loan facility for agricultural co-operatives and a rural counseling service in the South West. The Government has been tireless in its examination of options to increase the market power of dairy farmers. This has included support for Dairy Western Australia's Application for Authorisation to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for the establishment of a voluntary Milk Negotiation Agency. Notwithstanding the considerable assistance that the Government has provided, and continues to provide to the dairy industry, it is ultimately up to farmers and processors to ensure that their own businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
(3) The State Government does assist where appropriate, but it is ultimately the role of farmers and processors to ensure that their businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. (4) The WA Government has a proud record of support for the dairy industry. Western Australia was the only State to provide a Dairy Assistance Package to help offset the effects of deregulation. This added $27 million to the $122 million in restructure funds provided to Western Australian dairy Farmers by the Australian Government. This included $10 million to establish the farmer owned Challenge Dairy Co-operative. The Government supported the Legislative Assembly Economics and Industry Committee inquiry into the Sustainability of the Dairy Industry in 2003 and has actively sought to implement its recommendations. This has included the establishment of a special loan facility for agricultural co-operatives and a rural counseling service in the South West. The Government has been tireless in its examination of options to increase the market power of dairy farmers. This has included support for Dairy Western Australia's Application for Authorisation to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for the establishment of a voluntary Milk Negotiation Agency. Notwithstanding the considerable assistance that the Government has provided, and continues to provide to the dairy industry, it is ultimately up to farmers and processors to ensure that their own businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
(4) The WA Government has a proud record of support for the dairy industry. Western Australia was the only State to provide a Dairy Assistance Package to help offset the effects of deregulation. This added $27 million to the $122 million in restructure funds provided to Western Australian dairy Farmers by the Australian Government. This included $10 million to establish the farmer owned Challenge Dairy Co-operative. The Government supported the Legislative Assembly Economics and Industry Committee inquiry into the Sustainability of the Dairy Industry in 2003 and has actively sought to implement its recommendations. This has included the establishment of a special loan facility for agricultural co-operatives and a rural counseling service in the South West. The Government has been tireless in its examination of options to increase the market power of dairy farmers. This has included support for Dairy Western Australia's Application for Authorisation to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for the establishment of a voluntary Milk Negotiation Agency. Notwithstanding the considerable assistance that the Government has provided, and continues to provide to the dairy industry, it is ultimately up to farmers and processors to ensure that their own businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
Western Australia was the only State to provide a Dairy Assistance Package to help offset the effects of deregulation. This added $27 million to the $122 million in restructure funds provided to Western Australian dairy Farmers by the Australian Government. This included $10 million to establish the farmer owned Challenge Dairy Co-operative. The Government supported the Legislative Assembly Economics and Industry Committee inquiry into the Sustainability of the Dairy Industry in 2003 and has actively sought to implement its recommendations. This has included the establishment of a special loan facility for agricultural co-operatives and a rural counseling service in the South West. The Government has been tireless in its examination of options to increase the market power of dairy farmers. This has included support for Dairy Western Australia's Application for Authorisation to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for the establishment of a voluntary Milk Negotiation Agency. Notwithstanding the considerable assistance that the Government has provided, and continues to provide to the dairy industry, it is ultimately up to farmers and processors to ensure that their own businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
The Government supported the Legislative Assembly Economics and Industry Committee inquiry into the Sustainability of the Dairy Industry in 2003 and has actively sought to implement its recommendations. This has included the establishment of a special loan facility for agricultural co-operatives and a rural counseling service in the South West. The Government has been tireless in its examination of options to increase the market power of dairy farmers. This has included support for Dairy Western Australia's Application for Authorisation to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for the establishment of a voluntary Milk Negotiation Agency. Notwithstanding the considerable assistance that the Government has provided, and continues to provide to the dairy industry, it is ultimately up to farmers and processors to ensure that their own businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
The Government has been tireless in its examination of options to increase the market power of dairy farmers. This has included support for Dairy Western Australia's Application for Authorisation to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for the establishment of a voluntary Milk Negotiation Agency. Notwithstanding the considerable assistance that the Government has provided, and continues to provide to the dairy industry, it is ultimately up to farmers and processors to ensure that their own businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
Notwithstanding the considerable assistance that the Government has provided, and continues to provide to the dairy industry, it is ultimately up to farmers and processors to ensure that their own businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
(a) Dairy Australia expects Western Australian milk production to fall by less than 5 per cent in the coming year. Western Australian milk consistently meets Food Standards Australia and New Zealand's quality standards and has the lowest bacterial counts in Australia. I expect that to continue. (2) Milk production would have to fall by more than 50 per cent before fresh milk supplies are threatened. The characteristics of the national retail market suggest that prices would remain broadly similar, even in the hypothetical scenario the Member has put forward. (3) The State Government does assist where appropriate, but it is ultimately the role of farmers and processors to ensure that their businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. (4) The WA Government has a proud record of support for the dairy industry. Western Australia was the only State to provide a Dairy Assistance Package to help offset the effects of deregulation. This added $27 million to the $122 million in restructure funds provided to Western Australian dairy Farmers by the Australian Government. This included $10 million to establish the farmer owned Challenge Dairy Co-operative. The Government supported the Legislative Assembly Economics and Industry Committee inquiry into the Sustainability of the Dairy Industry in 2003 and has actively sought to implement its recommendations. This has included the establishment of a special loan facility for agricultural co-operatives and a rural counseling service in the South West. The Government has been tireless in its examination of options to increase the market power of dairy farmers. This has included support for Dairy Western Australia's Application for Authorisation to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for the establishment of a voluntary Milk Negotiation Agency. Notwithstanding the considerable assistance that the Government has provided, and continues to provide to the dairy industry, it is ultimately up to farmers and processors to ensure that their own businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
(2) Milk production would have to fall by more than 50 per cent before fresh milk supplies are threatened. The characteristics of the national retail market suggest that prices would remain broadly similar, even in the hypothetical scenario the Member has put forward. (3) The State Government does assist where appropriate, but it is ultimately the role of farmers and processors to ensure that their businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. (4) The WA Government has a proud record of support for the dairy industry. Western Australia was the only State to provide a Dairy Assistance Package to help offset the effects of deregulation. This added $27 million to the $122 million in restructure funds provided to Western Australian dairy Farmers by the Australian Government. This included $10 million to establish the farmer owned Challenge Dairy Co-operative. The Government supported the Legislative Assembly Economics and Industry Committee inquiry into the Sustainability of the Dairy Industry in 2003 and has actively sought to implement its recommendations. This has included the establishment of a special loan facility for agricultural co-operatives and a rural counseling service in the South West. The Government has been tireless in its examination of options to increase the market power of dairy farmers. This has included support for Dairy Western Australia's Application for Authorisation to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for the establishment of a voluntary Milk Negotiation Agency. Notwithstanding the considerable assistance that the Government has provided, and continues to provide to the dairy industry, it is ultimately up to farmers and processors to ensure that their own businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
The characteristics of the national retail market suggest that prices would remain broadly similar, even in the hypothetical scenario the Member has put forward. (3) The State Government does assist where appropriate, but it is ultimately the role of farmers and processors to ensure that their businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. (4) The WA Government has a proud record of support for the dairy industry. Western Australia was the only State to provide a Dairy Assistance Package to help offset the effects of deregulation. This added $27 million to the $122 million in restructure funds provided to Western Australian dairy Farmers by the Australian Government. This included $10 million to establish the farmer owned Challenge Dairy Co-operative. The Government supported the Legislative Assembly Economics and Industry Committee inquiry into the Sustainability of the Dairy Industry in 2003 and has actively sought to implement its recommendations. This has included the establishment of a special loan facility for agricultural co-operatives and a rural counseling service in the South West. The Government has been tireless in its examination of options to increase the market power of dairy farmers. This has included support for Dairy Western Australia's Application for Authorisation to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for the establishment of a voluntary Milk Negotiation Agency. Notwithstanding the considerable assistance that the Government has provided, and continues to provide to the dairy industry, it is ultimately up to farmers and processors to ensure that their own businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
(3) The State Government does assist where appropriate, but it is ultimately the role of farmers and processors to ensure that their businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. (4) The WA Government has a proud record of support for the dairy industry. Western Australia was the only State to provide a Dairy Assistance Package to help offset the effects of deregulation. This added $27 million to the $122 million in restructure funds provided to Western Australian dairy Farmers by the Australian Government. This included $10 million to establish the farmer owned Challenge Dairy Co-operative. The Government supported the Legislative Assembly Economics and Industry Committee inquiry into the Sustainability of the Dairy Industry in 2003 and has actively sought to implement its recommendations. This has included the establishment of a special loan facility for agricultural co-operatives and a rural counseling service in the South West. The Government has been tireless in its examination of options to increase the market power of dairy farmers. This has included support for Dairy Western Australia's Application for Authorisation to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for the establishment of a voluntary Milk Negotiation Agency. Notwithstanding the considerable assistance that the Government has provided, and continues to provide to the dairy industry, it is ultimately up to farmers and processors to ensure that their own businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
(4) The WA Government has a proud record of support for the dairy industry. Western Australia was the only State to provide a Dairy Assistance Package to help offset the effects of deregulation. This added $27 million to the $122 million in restructure funds provided to Western Australian dairy Farmers by the Australian Government. This included $10 million to establish the farmer owned Challenge Dairy Co-operative. The Government supported the Legislative Assembly Economics and Industry Committee inquiry into the Sustainability of the Dairy Industry in 2003 and has actively sought to implement its recommendations. This has included the establishment of a special loan facility for agricultural co-operatives and a rural counseling service in the South West. The Government has been tireless in its examination of options to increase the market power of dairy farmers. This has included support for Dairy Western Australia's Application for Authorisation to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for the establishment of a voluntary Milk Negotiation Agency. Notwithstanding the considerable assistance that the Government has provided, and continues to provide to the dairy industry, it is ultimately up to farmers and processors to ensure that their own businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
Western Australia was the only State to provide a Dairy Assistance Package to help offset the effects of deregulation. This added $27 million to the $122 million in restructure funds provided to Western Australian dairy Farmers by the Australian Government. This included $10 million to establish the farmer owned Challenge Dairy Co-operative. The Government supported the Legislative Assembly Economics and Industry Committee inquiry into the Sustainability of the Dairy Industry in 2003 and has actively sought to implement its recommendations. This has included the establishment of a special loan facility for agricultural co-operatives and a rural counseling service in the South West. The Government has been tireless in its examination of options to increase the market power of dairy farmers. This has included support for Dairy Western Australia's Application for Authorisation to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for the establishment of a voluntary Milk Negotiation Agency. Notwithstanding the considerable assistance that the Government has provided, and continues to provide to the dairy industry, it is ultimately up to farmers and processors to ensure that their own businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
The Government supported the Legislative Assembly Economics and Industry Committee inquiry into the Sustainability of the Dairy Industry in 2003 and has actively sought to implement its recommendations. This has included the establishment of a special loan facility for agricultural co-operatives and a rural counseling service in the South West. The Government has been tireless in its examination of options to increase the market power of dairy farmers. This has included support for Dairy Western Australia's Application for Authorisation to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for the establishment of a voluntary Milk Negotiation Agency. Notwithstanding the considerable assistance that the Government has provided, and continues to provide to the dairy industry, it is ultimately up to farmers and processors to ensure that their own businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
The Government has been tireless in its examination of options to increase the market power of dairy farmers. This has included support for Dairy Western Australia's Application for Authorisation to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for the establishment of a voluntary Milk Negotiation Agency. Notwithstanding the considerable assistance that the Government has provided, and continues to provide to the dairy industry, it is ultimately up to farmers and processors to ensure that their own businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
Notwithstanding the considerable assistance that the Government has provided, and continues to provide to the dairy industry, it is ultimately up to farmers and processors to ensure that their own businesses are viable, productive, and financially stable. Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
Our role is to help business understand and respond to market forces, not to make market forces go away. To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
To that end the Government is providing nearly $2 million in research and development support to the dairy industry this year in conjunction with Dairy Australia, Western Dairy and other partners. The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
The State Government has also established a partnership with the dairy industry to ensure that every dairy farmer in Western Australia has access to a free business health check and business improvement plan through Dairy Australia's "Taking Stock" program.
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