Senate debates
Thursday, 17 October 2019
Committees
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
12:06 pm
Rex Patrick (SA, Centre Alliance) Share this | Hansard source
Centre Alliance will be supporting Senator Hanson's reference. I point out that the reference doesn't suggest that an outcome ought to be regulation, just that it be explored. I point out to the chamber that there was an inquiry in relation to the dairy industry back in 2011, looking at $1 milk. There was an ACCC inquiry. There was a 2011 Senate inquiry looking at farmgate prices. I point out to the chamber that the government has not responded to that 2011 committee report. I have grave concerns that we will end up doing this inquiry, assuming that the Senate supports it, but that the report will come back to the Senate and be ignored again by government. You are not doing anything about farmers and dairy farmers. We will support this— (Time expired)
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