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Last updated: 16 Jul 2008

Terms of Reference

The environment in which Australia’s agriculture and food sector operates is becoming increasingly complex. The sector must be positioned to address its diverse mix of traditional and emerging challenges in order to ensure its sustainable and profitable development and maximise its contribution to the wealth and prosperity of the nation. It is for this reason that the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has commissioned a Reference Group to provide him with a report on future directions in Australian Government policies and programs impacting on the agriculture and food sector.

Questions to be addressed

The Reference Group has been tasked with developing broad recommendations to improve the profitability, competitiveness, and sustainability of the Australian agricultural and food sector. In undertaking its deliberations, the Reference Group will:

  • identify the major issues and challenges facing the sector;
  • prioritise those issues and challenges in order of importance;
  • identify outcomes necessary to enhance the profitable and sustainable growth of the sector, particularly in relation to the industry issues and challenges previously identified;
  • canvass actions required at the business enterprise, community, industry and/or government levels to achieve those outcomes;
  • identify impediments and risks to the achievement of those outcomes; and
  • make recommendations that could be considered by the Australian Government for further action.

Considerations

In exercising its remit, the Reference Group will consult widely with industry stakeholders and give regard to factors such as:

  • existing Australian Government policy and program settings for the Australian agriculture and food sector;
  • the broader direction of overarching Australian Government policy;
  • the importance of making a strong public policy case for any changes to industry arrangements taking account of net economic benefits for the nation as a whole; and
  • international trends impacting on the sector and initiatives undertaken in downstream markets or competitor countries.

The Reference Group’s call for submissions closed on Monday 18 July 2005. Submissions received are available for public viewing here.