Primary Industries
Australian primary producers deliver the best, the
cleanest and the cheapest food, fibres and minerals in the world to
the direct benefit of Australian and international consumers and customers.
Australia's future development and wealth is heavily
dependent on its ability to explore and develop its minerals and energy
resources.
Security of land tenure is of paramount importance
to these industries but is faced with the challenge caused by native
title, environmental and property rights issues.
The Nationals provide long-term policy certainty so
the resource industries can plan and invest with confidence.
Australian agriculture has become incredibly efficient
and competitive. Future expansion lies in an open and fair international
trading environment.
Increases in production require resource certainty
and a stable framework of property rights.
Drought is a fact of life in Australia and requires
taxation and economic incentives that encourage produces to invest
to manage it, rather than be carried through it.
Marketing of Australian commodities has enjoyed success
should reflect the needs of industry.
Australia must maintain its pest and disease free status
through stringent quarantine measures. Australia's disease and pest
free status enhances our capacity to deliver 'clean and green' products
to the world.
Australia's native forests and fisheries are a unique
renewable resource. Our objective is to ensure responsible utilisation. There
should be long term resource access for fishing and forestry industries.
Certainty for agriculture, fisheries and forestry depends
on the knowledge that sustainable production is the basis of any conservation
measures, qualified by sound scientific research and analysis.
The innovation of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
in Australia is legendary and must be supported by research and development
and, opportunities for producers to update their business and management
skills and have access to third party financial support for new and
additional investment.
Existing, expanding and emerging rural industries require
long-term investment. Financial institutions have a particular responsibility
to provide forms of finance appropriate to the cyclical nature of rural
industries.
The Nationals support investment and development of
alternative energy sources that deliver direct benefits to coastal,
rural and regional communities.
