11 September 2008

The Australian dairy industry seeks further engagement with the Federal Government on the industry’s concerns identified in its response to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) discussion paper.

Mr Allan Burgess, Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Chairman said that a preliminary examination of the CPRS discussion paper has provided an insight into flow-on impacts along the dairy industry’s integrated supply chain. “When one part of the chain is impacted, it flows on to another. Therefore all dairy industry players – especially farmers - will be impacted from the start of the scheme in 2010, even though the inclusion of the Agriculture Sector is not proposed until 2015,” he said.

Mr Burgess explained the industry has invested considerable effort in analysis and development of its submission, and has been able to draw on its strength of whole of industry collaboration from farmers through to manufacturing.

“The dairy industry has developed to be highly productive and internationally competitive over recent decades through adapting to challenges. Today, climate change poses further significant risks and challenges and the industry has made adaptation to climate change its number one priority,” he said.

Mr Burgess welcomed the opportunity to provide the Government with the industry’s response and recognises that this is the commencement of a process of consultation with Government.

“I am certain that Government will want to work with industry to develop workable solutions to reduce emissions and at the same time retain the Australian dairy industry’s international competitiveness,” Mr Burgess concluded.

For further information, please contact:

Allan Burgess
Chairman, Australian Dairy Industry Council
Tel: (03) 8621 4200
Mobile: 0419 354 140

Beverley Wallace
Policy Manager, Australian Dairy Farmers Limited
Tel: (03) 8621 4200
Mobile: 0404 462 832