You’ve told us you want to hear more about the work being done on your behalf behind the scenes and we’ve listened. Please read below to learn more about what’s happening in the VFF Farm Business and Transport space:
Food and grocery prices
The VFF has provided its submission to the Senate Select Committee on Supermarket Prices. The submission can be viewed on the Committee’s website Submissions – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au). The VFF will provide a submission to the Emerson review of the Food and Grocery Code following the release of his interim report and will participate in the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission inquiry into supermarkets. The VFF invites members to provide information on their experiences dealing with the large supermarket chains.
Proposed Port of Melbourne truck tax
The Victorian Government is intending to introduce a charge on trucks accessing the stevedores at the Port of Melbourne. The VFF is totally opposed to this truck tax and will advocate for the development of a comprehensive agricultural freight strategy. The VFF President is seeking an urgent meeting with the Minister for Ports and Freight. The VFF also participated in a briefing for the opposition and industry by the stevedores regarding broader issues at the Port of Melbourne.
Victorian Freight Plan
The Department of Transport and Planning is establishing an Industry Stakeholder Reference Group as part of its plan to refresh the Victorian Freight Plan to reflect the current operating environment and Government priorities for the freight and logistics sector up to 2050. The VFF will be a member of the Reference Group and will be able to represent the interests of the agricultural sector as the work progresses.
New telehandler license announced
New training requirements will become mandatory for telehandler operators from 1 July 2024. A three-day training requirement will replace the current four-day course. While a marginal improvement, the VFF is still concerned about the cost of the training and the timeframe given that no trainers or training is currently available to meet the new requirements. The VFF is engaging with WorkSafe Victoria to discuss these issues.