Western Australia's dairy industry deregulated

28/6/00
The Dairy Industry and Herd Improvement Legislation Repeal Bill 2000 passed through the Upper House of Parliament last night.
Primary Industry Minister Monty House said the Government had always been consistent in its position and commitment to Western Australian dairy farmers and this continued following the request by industry to process the necessary legislation to effect deregulation.
The Herd Improvement Services of WA will now be transferred into growers' hands and will become Farmwest Service Limited; the Dairy Industry Authorities' assets will be transferred to Dairy Western Australia, a company which dairy farmers will also own.
"These changes now enable dairy farmers to take control of their own industry, unfettered by Government," Mr House said.
"WA farmers will be able to access the Federal Government's assistance package of $1.7 billion and the State Government's Dairy Assistance package of $27 million to assist them in the transition into a deregulated market place.
"This Government is currently the only State to offer additional assistance to farmers and industry and we can now provide a range of benefits to WA dairy farmers ranging from further training needs, farm business planing to grants totalling up to $12.5 million to improve WA's milk processing sector.
"The steering committee which I appointed last year will assist farmers and industry to adjust to the changed market environment."
Mr House said he appreciated that it had been a long and hard road for dairy farmers. However it was time to move forward and welcome a new and positive beginning for the industry.
Media contact: Julie Cole 9481 2044