House debates Questions without Notice
Wheat Exports
Kim Beazley Brand, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
2:43 pm
My question is to the Prime Minister. It relates to the question that was just answered.
Peter McGauran Gippsland, National Party, Deputy Leader of the House
Mr McGauran interjecting
Martin Ferguson Batman, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Resources, Forestry and Tourism
Mr Martin Ferguson interjecting
Martin Ferguson Batman, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Resources, Forestry and Tourism
Mr Martin Ferguson interjecting
Kim Beazley Brand, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
I refer the Prime Minister to the dramatic—
Kim Beazley Brand, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
I refer the Prime Minister to the dramatic downgrade in this season’s expected wheat crop and the fact that most wheat exported this season will be out of Western Australia. Can the Prime Minister confirm that farmers who sell wheat through AWB this year will have to carry an increased share of the burden of the $65 million service agreement between AWB Ltd and AWB International? What action will the Prime Minister take to address this additional burden which will fall disproportionately on Western Australian growers in the middle of the worst drought in living memory?
John Howard Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
I am aware of the arrangements that exist between AWB and AWB International. I think the House would be aware that the Cole commission will be reporting very soon. There could well be implications in relation to the AWB and AWB International as a result of that report. I take the opportunity of assuring Western Australian wheat growers that, as in the past, the government will in the future look after their interests.