Uncategorised

Agriculture a better investment than cars: MPs

National MPs have said the government would be better off investing in Australia's agriculture industry than its car makers, who may soon be after more taxpayer assistance.

According to The Land, Senator Barnaby Joyce investing in agriculture so the industry is better positioned to take advantage of the Asian Century should be a key priority for the government.

"It stands to reason that we are more likely to be exporting food to South-East Asia than exporting cars," Joyce said.

"If people from overseas can see the future in Australian agriculture and they're gaining a substantial foothold in the prime sections of Australian agriculture, then there should be a flashing light going off for the rest of Australia."

Earlier this week General Motors and Toyota announced that they may ask for additional taxpayer assistance, on top of what's estimated to be the $1b they've received in the past decade.

National Party leader Warren Truss said the Labor government had halved the budget of the Department of Agriculture from $3.8 billion to $1.7 billion since 2007 and added that extra investment is required in order to take full advantage of Asia's growing interest in our food production.

"Asia will increasingly look outwards for others to fill the food void and we are uniquely positioned on their doorstep," he said.

"But we, as a nation, need to be geared for growth if our farmers are to achieve their potential. That means investing in agriculture and regional infrastructure."

 

Send this to a friend