The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) says the signs are good that the new Abbott Ministry will provide a much needed shift in focus on growth, trade and regulatory reform.
AFGC CEO Gary Dawson said the "clear signals" from several new ministers, who are due to be sworn in tomorrow, were encouraging.
“Food and grocery companies are looking for a return to certainty and stability from the government, and a focus on getting the policy settings right to boost confidence and promote investment and jobs,” he said.
“To that end we strongly support priorities including the finalisation of stalled Free Trade Agreement talks, a rollback of costly unnecessary regulation, action to reduce energy costs, a tax reform white paper and a review of competition laws to help level the playing field where there is an imbalance in market power.”
Dawson said the food and grocery sector believed a rebalancing of national priorities towards growth, jobs and regulatory reform was long overdue.
“Right now the industry is facing massive challenges from high costs, the high Australian dollar and retail price deflation squeezing profitability. Key food processing capabilities are at risk of being lost altogether, with the flow on loss of jobs and opportunities extending into the farm supply base.”
Dawson also noted the food and grocery sector was an industry with massive growth potential for the future.
“AFGC looks forward to working with these experienced ministers in establishing a coordinated and disciplined approach to policy making, to ensure a competitive Australian food and grocery manufacturing sector,” said Dawson.
“We congratulate new ministers on their appointment, particularly those relevant to our sector – Industry Minister Ian McFarlane, Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb, Small Business Minister Bruce Billson, Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce and Assistant Treasurer Arthur Sinodinos.”
Gary Dawson, chief executive of the Australian Food and Grocery Council
