RBA shows nerves of steel to resist a base cash rate cut forecast by all banks and 96% of the finance industry
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has demonstrated who is truly in charge of the finance sector by resisting an almost unanimous call for at least a 0.25% cut to the base cash rate. Instead, in defiance of urging by the big four banks, to the surprise of most, the base rate will remain at […]
Annual farm data collection underway for 2025
Data key to the future of Australian farms will be collected up until December 2025 in the annual farm survey program that has been running since 1977 for broadacre farms. The data collected will be used to inform responses to all the daily challenges faced by farmers, such as drought and trade disruptions. This year’s […]
Drought and flood affected farmers need interest free loans say The Nationals
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud is calling for Labor to bring back interest-free loans for farmers from the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC), impacted by Australia’s drought and floods. Mr Littleproud said farmers across Australia have been simultaneously devastated by recent floods as well as drought. “In 2020 the Coalition introduced a two-year interest free […]
CSIRO push for more sustainable food system welcomed by Conservation group
The Australian Conservation Foundation says CSIRO’s report Towards a state of the food system report for Australia, released today, should inform a new approach to how we manage the food system in Australia, which is costing as much as $274 billion in negative environmental and health outcomes. The report calls for regulatory reform and a rethink on how […]
Rabobank offers support for farming clients affected by NSW Mid North Coast floods
Rabobank has announced a package of support measures that will be made available to farming clients dealing with the impacts of devastating floods along the NSW Mid North Coast. Rabobank state manager for NSW Toby Mendl said the specialist agribusiness bank has a range of measures in place to support clients dealing with the “record-breaking floods” […]
RBA base cash rate cut of 25 basis points in May will see the full cut pass to farm borrowers
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has reduced the base rate for the second time this year, with a reduction of 0.25% from 4.1% to 3.85%. A rate not seen since April 2022. Many farm operations will welcome the rate relief, and it is expected most banks will pass the full discount to borrowers. Rabobank […]
The Nationals forge their own path for Regional Australia
Statement from Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Agriculture Minister David Littleproud After careful consideration, The Nationals have agreed that now is not the right time to enter a federal Coalition Agreement with the Liberal Party. During the last term of Parliament, The Nationals fought hard for a package of sensible and important policies that […]
Critical automotive infrastructure missing from State Budget
The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) has expressed significant concern over the 2025-26 Victorian State Budget’s failure to deliver essential electric vehicle infrastructure and small business support, despite the Government’s ambitious 2030 EV targets. While the absence of new motor vehicle taxes provides temporary relief, the Budget represents a missed opportunity to future-proof Victoria’s […]
Weld Australia calls for urgent Government action as imports threatens local jobs and safety standards
Weld Australia is calling for urgent government action to safeguard Australia’s manufacturing sector, with a stark warning about the rising use of non-compliant imported products and fabricated steel. Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, said the issue highlights three pressing national priorities: enforcing compliance with international quality standards, implementing mandatory inspections of imports, and introducing […]
Horizon Scholarship celebrates 15 years of investing in future agriculture leaders
As local agriculture navigates a number of opportunities and challenges such as workforce, climate change and rapid digital transformation, AgriFutures Australia’s Horizon Scholarship Program is investing in the next generation of leaders with the skills and passion to tackle such issues head on. Announcing today its 2025 cohort of 21 ambitious students across Australia, the […]