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Regulation of agriculture

Issues paper

Released 20 / 11 / 2015

This paper assists participants in preparing a submission to the public inquiry into Regulation of Agriculture. It outlines a range of issues about which the Commission is seeking information.

Initial submissions were due by 12 February 2016.

Opportunity for further comment was sought on the draft report.

Submissions were due by 18 August 2016.

Download the issues paper

  • Media release

Productivity Commission wants to hear from farmers about improving agriculture regulation

As part of its inquiry into the regulation of agriculture, the Productivity Commission will be hosting meetings with interested parties in Rockhampton on Friday 29 January 2016:

  • Where: Rockhampton Art Gallery, 62 Victoria Parade, Rockhampton.
  • When: 1pm - 3pm, Friday 29 January.

Please register your interest and available times with Bonnie Nguyen via email (bonnie.nguyen@pc.gov.au) or phone (03 9653 2278).

'If you think excessive, poorly designed or poorly implemented regulation is putting the brakes on the profitability and productivity of your farm business then we would like to hear from you,' said Presiding Commissioner Paul Lindwall.

As a result of matters raised in the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper and elsewhere, the Australian Government asked the Productivity Commission to undertake an inquiry into the regulatory burden on farm businesses.

The Productivity Commission is particularly interested in regulation issues relating to land tenure and use, environmental protection, access to technologies and chemicals, water, transport, animal welfare, biosecurity, food safety and labelling, competition regulation and investment.

'We really encourage local farmers to come along and have their say. Hearing from people who are directly affected will make sure we can make practical and workable recommendations to improve agriculture regulation. We are keen to hear from people on both their experience and ideas for improvement,' said Commissioner Ken Baxter.

The Commission will also be visiting other major rural centres during the coming weeks.

The Productivity Commission urges people who are unable to make the open forum to provide submissions or short comments through the Commission's website and emphasises that providing a submission doesn't need to be a long or arduous process — submissions and comments of all lengths are accepted. You can make a submission via the Commission's website (www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/agriculture/issues).

Initial submissions to the inquiry are due by Friday 12 February 2016. There will be further opportunity to comment after the Commission releases a draft report in May 2016.

Paul Lindwall and Ken Baxter are the two Commissioners overseeing the inquiry.


The media release above is a generic media release where only the dates and venues change. Below is a list of regional centres where media releases were targetted - with associated changes to details.

Rockhampton (sent 25 Jan 2016)

Where: Rockhampton Art Gallery, 62 Victoria Parade, Rockhampton.
When: 1pm - 3pm, Friday 29 January.

Mildura (sent 27 January 2016)

Where: The Setts Business Centre Boardroom, 110 Eighth Street, Mildura.
When: 3pm - 5pm, Monday 1 February.

Orange (sent 10 Feb 2016)

Where: Orange City Bowling Club, 61-89 Warrendine St, Orange NSW 2800.
When: 3:30pm - 5:30pm, Tuesday 16 February 2016.

Dubbo (sent 12 Feb 2016)

Where: Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre, 1/80 Gipps Street, Dubbo NSW 2830
When: 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Wednesday 17 February 2016.