Productivity Commission report on fruit imports in government hands

The Productivity Commission's report on whether to introduce tariffs to stem the flood of cheap imported fruit is now in the hands of the new federal government.

Liberal member for Murray, Sharman Stone, says her government will deal with the report has soon as it's finished moving into office, according to a report by ABC Rural.

"I've been speaking to the Assistant Treasurer's office (Arthur Sinodinos').

"He is yet to know whether it's his or the Treasure'rs office that will deal with it, Joe Hockey's.

"That will be sorted out in the very, very near future and then the matter, I am told, and reassured, will be treated as a matter of urgency," Stone said.

In early May, struggling fruit processor, SPC Ardmona called on the government to introduce emergency tariff protection against cheap imports after it cut its fruit production and cancelled supply contracts with 60 fruit growers in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley.

In late June, the Productivity Commission began making inquiries into the impact of imports of processed fruit and tomatoes on Australian producers.

An investigation by the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission into peaches imported from South Africa and tomatoes imported from Italy has also commenced.

The Productivity Commission's report was delivered on Friday.