As we near polling day on 18 May, how much do you know about the position of your local candidates on the issues of importance to agriculture? Australians Farmers explains how to find out!
There are a number of ways in which you can engage with candidates. You can write a letter, email, call, reach out via social media, request a meeting, or organise and event.
Whichever method you use, it's important to be informed and not to be afraid to ask the tough questions.
Tip 1: Find your local candidates
Identify your electorate and local candidates via the Australian Electoral Commission website.
Tip 2: Do your homework
Before engaging with your local candidates, conduct a brief research of their party, whether they are a safe or marginal seat, their biography, and their policy stance.
A good place to start is on their personal websites. Their social media accounts are also a great forum to track your candidate's position on issues important to agriculture.
Importantly, take a look at the National Farmers' Federation's Agriculture: Growing Australia Election Priorities document to find about what the NFF has determined as important this election. For example, the NFF's top 5 election asks include:
- The fast-tracked ratification of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
- The establishment of a $1 billion Ecosystem Services Fund.
- Action on the Regional Telecommunications Review and fund the Mobile Blackspots Program.
- A commitment to act on agriculture's labour shortage.
- Teh creation of an internationally-competitive tax system for Australa
The National Farmers' Federation has a goal to reach $100 billion in farm gate output by 2030 and the 2019 Federal Election is a pivotal time for Australian agriculture to lay the foundations needed for growth.
Check out AustralianFarmers and the NFF's website for more news stories and media releases on the NFF's election asks and how agriculture is tracking towards its $100 billion goal.
