John Forrest (Mallee, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak to the Wheat Marketing Amendment Bill 2006. My remarks tonight will be brief in view of the hour and in view of my determination to ensure parliament does not get up tonight without having this important legislation in place. I wish to place on the record my reaction to the amendments that have been foreshadowed both by the member for Hotham and by the member for New England.

As the member for Mallee representing fundamentally the wheat belt of Victoria, the great regions of the Mallee and the Wimmera, in my view the member for New England’s suggestion to conduct a plebiscite of growers is not necessary at all. I spend an enormous amount of time with my growers. Over their harvests it is not uncommon for the member for Mallee to pull up, wander into the paddock and do a few rounds in the tractor and the header. I am absolutely convinced that the view of my growers is that the significance of the single desk in the great majority is paramount.

We cannot change what has been done. I would like an opportunity to rebut the comments made by the member for Hotham. I have never been much for the silly games that get played in this place but as I listened to the member for Hotham’s contribution I thought, ‘Here’s a pitch for a portfolio if ever I heard one.’ The suggestions in his amendment are just far too prescriptive. I have absolute confidence in the industry that it will join in partnership with the government to resolve this difficulty. Paramount in my hardened mind is the interests of growers.

There are three things that have to be done. One is that, whatever the outcome of this six-month period, it will be in the interests of growers. The single desk is not the prerogative of the government or any member in this place. The single desk is what growers want. It is not up to us whatever our positions and philosophies are on the free market. Growers continue to make it clear. I know from my close consultation and regular contact with the wheat and grain growers of the Wimmera-Mallee that at least 85 per cent, if not higher, are anxious to ensure that something similar to our current arrangements with the power of veto stay in place. They are convinced of the benefit to them.

I have complete confidence in the minister. I say to all those people out there saying that the power of the veto has gone: it has not gone; it has been placed in the sure and safe hands of someone who understands this industry and is going to take good advice from those members who represent and spend the most time with wheat growers. I am really confident and assured of that. We cannot undo what has happened. It is true that the sacred chalice was handed to AWB for them to behave responsibly with this important power they had—the capacity to veto the opportunity for other participants to share in the market.

My priority is the interests of my growers. I can assure you I will be conducting extensive consultation. I have just been listening to the discussion about everybody having a peaceful and quiet Christmas. I can assure you that will probably not be the case for the member for Mallee. I will be out there. I am already out there—by telephone—having discussions with the thousands of wheat growers that I represent. They elect us to come to this place as the members of the House of Representatives and our obligation is to ensure that when we ‘re-present’ we are in touch with the views of the majority. That is the confidence they place in us when they elect us to this place.

I think a plebiscite, a ballot or whatever is completely unnecessary. It is an additional expense. What I want to see is expeditious action, and I am confident that the minister will deliver. I want to commend this bill to the House so it is dealt with expeditiously. Then we can all go home to the Christmas we celebrate.

On indulgence, through you Mr Deputy Speaker, I would like to endorse the remarks made about the season we have come to celebrate. I do not apologise for the fact that this is the birthday of someone who is the centre of my faith—the rock of my value system. I make no apology for that. It inspires us to pursue that goodwill and the challenge to overcome our human frailties and to extend that goodwill to the people around us. I commend this bill to the House and look forward to it being dealt with expeditiously.

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