BUSINESS groups, unions and politicians are meeting in Canberra today to discuss the nation’s economic future, with the National Farmers’ Federation calling for Australia to “play smart and stay competitive” in global trade.
David Jochinke
The roundtable will run until Thursday, with groups including the NFF, the Australian Conservation Foundation, Government departments and MPs on the speaking list.
The economic roundtable has drawn plenty of anticipation since it was announced in June, with interest groups from across the economy bringing forward their lobbying positions – from significant tax reform to four-day work weeks.
Many have also been sceptical of the Government’s intentions with the roundtable, with concerns that it is just a formality. When pressed about the possibilities of the roundtable Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said “it’s just a roundtable” and last week the ABC reported that the Treasurer has a pre-written list of possible outcomes before the roundtable had started.
Nationals Senator Matt Canavan has this morning been picturing himself out the front of parliament saying energy prices are the real productivity killer.
— Senator Matt Canavan (@mattjcan) August 19, 2025
NFF calls for a series of measures
Inside the room, National Farmers Federation president David Jochinke was scheduled to talk on a panel discussion this morning.
“Today’s roundtable is a welcome opportunity to rethink how agriculture can help lift Australia’s productivity.
“Let’s be clear, agriculture already pulls its weight, contributing about $90 billion to the national economy and supporting about 275,000 jobs. We’re not just part of the economy, we are a driver of it.
“I am honoured to represent our members and Australian farmers at today’s session on ‘international risks, opportunities and trade’.
“Agriculture is one of Australia’s most trade-exposed sectors, with over $70 billion in produce exported each year. Right now, we’re navigating one of the most complex and changing global trading environments in a generation.
“As the global chessboard shifts, Australia needs to play smart and stay competitive.
“Last week, at the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s “Unlocking Productivity in Australian Agriculture” roundtable we outlined six key priorities to drive productivity growth. On trade specifically, we see real opportunities in:
- Expanding market access in Southeast Asia
- Advancing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the Gulf Cooperation Council, the European Union and India
- Tackling non-tariff barriers that restrict trade
- These are actions within reach for industry and Government to pursue together.
“ABARES has noted: ‘Productivity growth also enables farmers to earn higher returns on capital, higher wages, higher profits and can increase the agricultural contribution to national income. It can also lead to lower prices for consumers and reduced environmental impacts.’
“The NFF could not agree more. Productivity wins in agriculture are wins for farmers, for consumers and for the broader economy. They’re also essential to achieving our goal to becoming a $100 billion industry by 2030.”
NSW Farmers call for productivity plan
NSW Farmers is urging the Australian Government to commit to a plan to drive productivity through the agricultural sector and get the economy back on track.
NSW Farmers’ President Xavier Martin said scrapping the super tax on unrealised gains, boosting mobile coverage and developing laws to protect farm data were just some of the solutions farmers had put forward to the roundtable in a call to fix the nation’s productivity woes.
“Farmers also want to see the federal government closing the loophole on tax advantages for foreign investors purchasing Australian farms or water by applying the same taxation requirements as Australian businesses including withholding taxes.” Mr Martin said.
“Australian agriculture is the powerhouse that feeds and clothes the nation, but current settings are threatening our food security and holding us back.”
“Our ruined roads are holding up food that needs to get from paddock to port, our telecommunications aren’t good enough to do business and we’re staring down the barrel of a potential tax on money farming families will never make.”
“Meanwhile, we don’t have the right to our own farm data, or the legal right to repair our own farm machinery using an independent repairer – and together, all of these challenges are really stacking up,” Mr Martin said.
Further investment in agricultural research and development and a permanent instant asset write-off scheme for small businesses were also among NSW Farmers’ recommendations to the roundtable to improve productivity.