Rudd backs Chinese agriculture package, now its time he backed Australian farmers

NSW Nationals Senator Fiona Nash wants an Aussie farmer-friendly stimulus package after Prime Minister Kevin Rudd heaped praise on a Chinese stimulus package that principally focused on agriculture. “As the Rudd Government develops its third stimulus package ahead of next month’s Budget, it is time for the PM to back our farmers in the interests of Australian food security,” Senator Nash declared. “Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao this week stressed that agricultural development and higher rural incomes are the key to his economy’s recovery.” “Mr Rudd gushed over China’s package, repeatedly describing it as ‘very good’ – he even had the nerve to claim part credit for it, telling the ABC it was ‘certainly consistent with the discussions the Treasurer and myself (sic) have had with various Chinese counterparts in recent weeks’.” (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/11/10/2415652.htm) “Yet there was next to nothing for Australian agriculture in Mr Rudd’s first two packages.” “China is a member of the WTO yet is protecting its farmers against the global economic crisis. What is the Australian Government doing to protect its farmers?” Senator Nash said the Chinese were backing their farmers because they understood the importance of food security and the role domestic supply plays in ensuring that security “If Mr Rudd has a third stimulus package it must develop Australian agriculture and infrastructure, rather than hand out more cash which ends up being spent on foreign imports,” Senator Nash said. “The Government needs to help our agricultural sector strengthen our economy by investing in transport, research, and water access.” Senator Nash said the Government should also consider zero interest loans for farmers who wish to invest in their business, as well as a ‘first farm buyers grant’. “If Mr Rudd is so excited by the Chinese package then he must put his money where his mouth is and support Australian farmers in the May Budget, she concluded.

Source: