State Election brings fresh priorities

The State election provided an opportunity for industry organisations to focus attention on what more the State Government can do to promote industry growth and development. Brismark made submissions to both major parties in the lead up to the election regarding a range of priorities for the fresh produce industry.

This includes seeking State Government support for:

 • the DPI&F taking a lead role in establishing whole of chain working groups to provide leadership and feedback on industry issues

• giving greater recognition to the economic role and importance of the fresh produce industry and the Brisbane Markets

• an increased effort by the State and Federal Governments across Australia to review and rationalise red tape and to harmonise regulatory requirements across States

• a range of biosecurity initiatives including the Queensland Biosecurity Strategy and the Beale Review

• an increased focus on road and water infrastructure

• export market initiatives including increased resourcing of DPI&F in researching Market Access Protocols and the Global Markets Initiative

• ongoing recognition of the need for health education and a commitment for ongoing financial funding of the ‘Go for 2 & 5’ servings of fruit and vegetables campaign

• DPI&F support and leadership in promoting Australia-wide support for a standardised and industry supported Quality Assurance System that can serve the needs of all sectors of the industry

With the current Government emphasis on infrastructure projects, job creation and health, the fresh produce industry should be a significant beneficiary from Government initiatives which focus on improving road infrastructure, support regional job creation projects and labour supply and encourage Queenslanders to consume the recommended servings of fruit and vegetables as a way of addressing the billion dollar cost of the obesity epidemic.

Both Brismark and Brisbane Markets Limited are looking forward to working with the Bligh Labor Government in seeking to achieve positive outcomes that support the growth and success of Queensland’s fresh produce industry.