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Farmers want formal exemptions to border closures to clear confusion

Headshot of Jenne Brammer
Jenne BrammerThe West Australian
New chief executive of the National Farmers' Federation Tony Mahar. Picture Chalk Studio
Camera IconNew chief executive of the National Farmers' Federation Tony Mahar. Picture Chalk Studio

Governments must immediately formally implement and communicate nationally consistent exemptions to State and Territory border closures for farmers and transport operators, the National Farmers Federation says.

NFF chief executive Tony Mahar said governments must assure all Australians the agricultural supply chain would not be disrupted by State and Territory border closures and mandatory quarantine, and offer peace of mind to farm businesses and others in the supply chain that food would continue to be available cross border.

“Protecting human health is the most important priority and the requirement for State border closures and mandatory quarantine is understood,” Mr Mahar said.

“However, we are calling on governments to immediately formally implement and communicate nationally consistent, straightforward exemptions for farmers and transport operators, so Australians’ access to fresh produce can continue to be guaranteed,” he said.

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“Getting produce from paddock to plate is a complex process that often spans multiple State and Territory jurisdictions.“Logistics that deliver inputs such as fodder, fertiliser and packaging to farms, meat processors and packing facilities are also fundamental.

Right now, the last thing the people who are doing the important job of producing, processing and delivering everyday essentials need is inconsistency across States and Territories and a mountain of cumbersome paperwork.”

He said farmers and supporting industries were anxious about their ability to do business in the light of border restrictions and quarantine periods.

Mr Mahar said the Federal Government had reassured the NFF that the continuity of the agricultural supply chain was a top priority.

“However, there is an anxiousness from farmers and supporting industries, about their continued ability to do business in the face of the recent State and Territory border restrictions and mandatory quarantine periods,” he said.

Therefore, Mr Mahar said, these commitments needed to be formally recognised and if need be, confirmed by the appropriate tiers of Government, to give farmers, the supply chain and all Australians peace of mind.

A State Government spokesman said people required to travel to WA to work in agriculture or primary industries were exempt from the self-isolation requirement because they performed an essential service.

“Freight movements have also been exempted – which means there are no impacts on agricultural inputs or machinery imports,” the spokesman said.

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