3G Shutdown Senate Inquiry Public Hearing

By Ian Rogers

Opening Statement by Charlotte Wundersitz, National Farmers’ Federation General Manager of Rural Affairs – Date: Feb 5, 2024

Thank you for the opportunity to appear today.

The livelihoods of Australian farming families are intrinsically tied to accessible, reliable, affordable, and high-quality connectivity.

Since Telstra and Optus commenced the shutdown of their respective 3G mobile networks in October 2024, promising equivalent or improved coverage, Australian farmers remain unconvinced that these major providers have fulfilled that commitment. Three months post-shutdown, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) continues to receive widespread reports of diminished service availability and quality.

Key Issues Raised

• Reduced Service Quality: Farmers are experiencing more frequent call dropouts, inconsistent connectivity, slow download speeds, and, in some cases, a complete inability to access the internet.
• Loss of Fortuitous Coverage: The shutdown has led to the disappearance of ‘bonus coverage’ areas, creating new blackspots in regions that previously enjoyed reliable service.
• Increased Financial Burden: Farmers have had to invest heavily in expensive boosters, antennas, and software upgrades. Despite these measures, many still struggle with basic connectivity.

Impact on Safety and Productivity

This situation presents serious safety and productivity concerns, particularly during critical periods such as harvest and fire danger seasons. The NFF has documented several specific cases:

1. Scott Loughnan (Muckadilla, QLD): Reports significant post-shutdown issues along the Warrego Highway, affecting communication during grain harvest transport—a critical, time-sensitive operation.
2. Southern NSW Farmer: Despite being in a “guaranteed coverage area,” experiences persistent dropouts. Costs incurred from purchasing cel-fi boosters and upgrading farm equipment range between $10,000 and $20,000 due to the shutdown.
3. Knuth Family (Charters Towers, QLD): Reliable call coverage has plummeted from 90% of their property to just 20%. This has severely impacted both operational efficiency and safety, especially during the calving season when immediate assistance is often required.

Challenges in Seeking Resolutions

Despite the severity of these issues, rural Australians are disillusioned with the prospect of reporting problems to their providers, citing long wait times, unhelpful responses, and suggestions to purchase additional equipment without guaranteeing improved outcomes.

A Call for Accountability

This is not the first major telecommunications transition in Australia, nor will it be the last. However, rural consumers must not be treated as collateral damage in a process designed primarily to benefit urban residents and boost providers’ profits.

The NFF remains committed to holding telecommunications providers accountable throughout this transition. We acknowledge the recent launch of Telstra’s 3G hotline, which represents a positive initial step. Nevertheless, we urge all providers to engage directly with rural communities, listen to their concerns, and implement meaningful solutions.

The current status quo is unacceptable. Rural Australians deserve better, and the NFF will continue to advocate fiercely on their behalf.

For more local news, click here.

NFF Criticises Food Supply Chain Workforce Report for Lack of Actionable Data

By Ian Rogers

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has voiced its disappointment over the recently released final report by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) on the future of the food supply chain workforce. While the report presented 41 recommendations to address workforce challenges, NFF President David Jochinke said it fell short of providing the much-needed workforce data to inform policy and business decisions.

“The Government intended to solve a critical gap in workforce data, but this report has largely restated old problems without delivering meaningful new insights,” Mr. Jochinke said.

Old Problems, Few Solutions

Mr. Jochinke acknowledged that while the report didn’t meet industry expectations, some of its recommendations were encouraging. Key highlights included:

• Working Holiday Maker Program: The report cautioned against changes to specified work provisions within the program, reinforcing its critical role in addressing agricultural labour shortages and safeguarding national food security.
• Labour Hire Licensing: A national approach to labour hire licensing was identified as urgently needed, echoing long-standing industry calls for reform.
• Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme: The report highlighted the need to reduce the costs of placing workers under the PALM scheme to maintain its viability for businesses and ensure maximum benefits for Pacific communities.
• Short-Term Visa Pathway: JSA recommended a targeted, capped visa to address short-term workforce surges in horticulture, a sector particularly vulnerable to labour shortages.

Familiar Challenges

Mr. Jochinke noted that many of the recommendations closely resembled those in the National Agricultural Workforce Strategy, launched by the previous government in 2020.

“The report covers a broad range of issues facing the agricultural workforce, but there’s little here that is groundbreaking. Producers are already acutely aware of these challenges,” he said.

The Road Ahead

Despite its limitations, the NFF sees the report as an opportunity for the government to take decisive action.

“Perhaps the most redeeming feature of the report is that no stakeholder—be it industry, unions, or others—is entirely satisfied with its findings. What matters now is how the government chooses to respond,” Mr. Jochinke said.

With critical issues like labour shortages, visa reform, and workforce mobility still unresolved, the NFF is urging the government to use the report as a springboard for meaningful change.

“All the hardest work is yet to be done. The agricultural sector is watching closely to see whether the government is prepared to back this report with the action and investment needed to address our workforce crisis,” Mr. Jochinke said.

For more local news, click here.

AgCAREERSTART Welcomes Dozens of Young Australians to On-Farm Careers

By Ian Rogers

The National Farmers’ Federation’s flagship gap-year program, AgCAREERSTART, is back for another year, with dozens of young Australians beginning their agricultural careers this week.

The program connects 17- to 25-year-olds with farmers across Australia, providing participants with job placements, pastoral support, training grants, and opportunities to build networks within the industry. Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, AgCAREERSTART is now in its fourth year and has become a vital pathway into the agricultural sector.

O-Week Prepares Participants for Farm Life

This year’s program began with an action-packed Orientation Week (O-Week) in Ballarat, Victoria, where 54 participants visited farms, underwent training, and connected with program alumni. The event serves as an essential stepping stone for participants, many of whom are stepping into rural life for the first time.

One of the participants, 19-year-old Morgan Carroll-Keays, is moving from Victoria to a beef cattle operation near Stanley, Tasmania. Morgan sees the program as an ideal way to kickstart his career in agriculture.

“Having the $4,500 bursary makes it so much easier. We can upskill across the industry, even beyond our placement’s focus, which helps set us up for the future,” he said.

Morgan added that O-Week gave him the confidence and preparedness for his new role. “I’m looking forward to just getting involved, giving it a crack, and getting my hands dirty.”

A Growing Program with Strong Retention Rates

In 2025, approximately 70 young Australians are expected to join the program, bringing the total number of participants since AgCAREERSTART’s inception to nearly 250. With a retention rate of 83% of graduates remaining in agriculture post-program, the initiative is proving successful in attracting and retaining fresh talent in the sector.

AgCAREERSTART Project Manager, Kayla Evans, highlighted the importance of O-Week in helping participants transition to rural life.

“For many, this is their first full-time job, first time living away from home, and first time without their usual support network,” she said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see 54 fresh and nervous faces arrive, and just days later, leave with new friends, excitement for the year ahead, and a readiness to get started on the farm.”

Building the Future of Agriculture

AgCAREERSTART continues to attract a diverse range of young Australians to the agriculture industry, offering participants hands-on experience, industry connections, and a launchpad for long-term careers.

For more information about the program, visit here.

For more local news, click here.

Opportunities for Students to Excel in Rural and Remote NSW

Parents of high potential and gifted students in rural and remote areas of NSW are encouraged to apply now for placement in online opportunity classes (OC) or selective high school classes for the 2026 academic year, with the application deadline fast approaching on 21 February 2025.

Who Can Apply?

• Opportunity Classes (OC): For students currently in Year 4 in 2025.
• Selective High School Classes: For students currently in Year 6 in 2025.

Aurora College: A Virtual Learning Experience

Run by the NSW Department of Education, Aurora College delivers online classes to students at over 700 host public schools across rural and regional NSW. The program is designed to minimise disruption to students’ lives while offering them advanced educational opportunities.

Key Features:

• Online Classes: High-quality education delivered virtually at students’ local schools.
• Residential Camps: Two camps each year, providing opportunities for students to meet classmates, collaborate in hands-on lessons, and attend specialist excursions.
• Equity Placement Model: Ensures fair access for students from under-represented groups, including those from low socio-educational backgrounds, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities, rural and remote locations, and children with disabilities.

Equity Placement Model

Under the Equity Placement Model, 20% of all OC and selective school places are reserved for high potential and gifted students from under-represented groups.

• Students may qualify if their test performance is within 10% of the general first-round offer threshold for their desired school.
• More details are available on the Fair Access webpage.

Placement Tests

Once an application is submitted, students will be invited to take the Opportunity Class or Selective High School Placement Test between 2 and 4 May 2025. This year, the placement tests will shift from paper-based to computer-based formats.

How to Apply

Parents can view the list of Aurora College host schools and submit applications through the NSW Department of Education’s Selective High Schools and Opportunity Classes website.

Supporting Every Student to Thrive

Dr. Paul Wood, Executive Director of Educational Standards, NSW Department of Education, highlighted the program’s impact:

“Regardless of geography or background, we are committed to providing every child in NSW with access to an environment that supports them to reach their full potential.

“Aurora College enables students to remain in their local communities while benefiting from advanced educational opportunities. This minimises disruption to their and their families’ lives, allowing them to focus fully on their studies.”

For more information and to apply, visit the Department of Education website.

For more local news, click here.

2024 Australian Macadamia Crop Exceeds Expectations Despite Weather Challenges

By Ian Rogers

The Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) has announced the completion of the 2024 macadamia harvest, with a total crop yield of 53,950 tonnes in-shell at 3.5% moisture (equivalent to 57,850 tonnes at 10% moisture). This marks an 11.5% increase in production compared to 2023, despite falling slightly short of the original forecast of 56,000 tonnes at 3.5% moisture.

Strong Performance Amid Adverse Conditions

AMS CEO Clare Hamilton-Bate praised growers for their resilience in overcoming challenges such as prolonged heat and extended wet weather during the season, which extended harvest into November for some regions.

“The 2024 season surpassed expectations, with significant improvements in kernel recovery, nut size, and overall quality,” Ms. Hamilton-Bate said.

The industry also noted a marked increase in the volume of cracked nuts, resulting in a higher quantity of kernels available for the market.

Regional Conditions and Early 2025 Outlook

Looking ahead, the 2025 crop is showing promise, with most regions experiencing favourable growing conditions.

• South East Queensland and Northern NSW have faced mixed conditions, including high temperatures and wet weather, but flowering and nut set have been positive overall.
• A significant number of young trees are expected to start bearing fruit next year, further boosting production.

“The outlook is optimistic, though it’s still early days,” Ms. Hamilton-Bate added.

Industry Context

The 2024 figures are based on factory receipts from the Australian Macadamia Handlers Association (AMHA), which represents 90% of Australia’s macadamia production, as well as estimated contributions from non-members.

This robust performance underlines the resilience and adaptability of Australia’s macadamia growers, positioning the industry for further growth in 2025.

Key Statistics for 2024 Crop

• Total Production:
  • 53,950 tonnes in-shell at 3.5% moisture
  • 57,850 tonnes in-shell at 10% moisture
• Year-on-Year Growth: +11.5% from 2023

The industry remains cautiously optimistic as it prepares for the challenges and opportunities of the coming year.

For more local news, click here.