James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The coalition government strongly supports Australia's dairy farmers and dairy industry. We are delivering a $579 million dairy assistance package to help dairy farmers experiencing hardship as a result of low global dairy commodity prices and the decisions of major dairy processors Murray Goulburn and Fonterra to cut farm gate milk prices in the 2016-17 year. There was no assistance under Labor in 2009, when farm gate milk prices were lower. The ACCC is currently investigating the farm gate milk-pricing decisions of Murray Goulburn and Fonterra. ASIC is also investigating Murray Goulburn. The government has requested that the ACCC undertake a market inquiry into the Australian dairy industry. It will commence by November 2016. The ACCC will have powers to compel evidence.