2007 NTCA Yearbook - Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association

Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association Incorporated
Advancing and Protecting the Interests of Cattle Producers in the Northern Territory
NFF Report
NTCA Annual Conference 2007
It is nearly 12 months since David Crombie was
elected President of NFF. After 2 Policy Council
meetings, David has grasped NFF issues and
problems with both hands.
David will state publicly that he is happy with the level of governance
and accountability of NFF, but holds grave fears about its
resources and about remaining truly National.
All members of Policy Council are worried about resources and
shortfalls in State Farm Organisations and Commodity Councils
affiliation subscriptions. The Policy Council held a Workshop late
last year where these financial pressures were discussed. The roles of
SFO’s, Commodity Councils and NFF were identified with an aim of
reducing duplication. Western Australia still has 2 State Organisations.
Other issues included the number of representatives on committees
and sub-committees, who pays for their input and more especially
who pays for the Chairmen of these Committees, as it is these
Chairmen who have to report to NFF Policy Council.
The pathways of recommendations from Committees to the
Policy Council were discussed. Input into these Committees from
associated technical groups of outside organisations on technical
data and background etc has to be assimilated into Policy Development.
The workshop also examined:
• The calculations of subscriptions
• All avenues of funding
• The Financial Trust and its charter
• The current situation of Commodity Council representatives
being part of SFO’s that are not paid up.
NFF has set up a Constitution Review Group to look at voting
rights, broadening of membership and possible conflicts as part
of an overall review of our Constitution. The present policy of
sitting “funded by NFF” at the Policy Council table is obviously
unsustainable.
Policy Council met last week on 21st March 2007. Both President
David and CEO Ben Fargher commented on our ‘07 budget
submissions on behalf of Australian Farmers.
Agriculture Advancing Australia
NFF were looking for commitment to the Agriculture Advancing
Australia which has been formulated over the last couple of years.
AAA covers issues like Farmbis, Rural Finance, Counselling Services,
Farm Help, FMD’s etc.
Drought
Drought aid has been well and truly documented. Drought is presently
putting massive pressure on countless farmers, farm businesses
and thus affecting the overall Australian Economy. Farming
Mums and Dads are struggling so help under Exceptional Circumstances
Criteria to be available on demand is a huge help. The NFF
Policy on Drought and Drought Aid will eventually move to a
Drought Preparedness Phase.
Environmental Stewardship
NFF is requesting that some funding of the next National Heritage
Trust Allocation be directed at Environmental Stewardship
programmes. Put simply, if farmers take land out of agricultural
production for environmental purposes, they should receive some
compensation. NFF is confident that widespread adoption of this
incentive based regime, with appropriate regulation, will deliver
environmental outcomes. It is important however that the majority
of the funding does not go into administration.
Climate change
Climate change is possibly the biggest challenge facing Australian
Farmers right now and into the future. At this stage the farming
community does not have the information or knowledge to make
the best decisions. In particular:
©istockphoto.com/Christina Norwood
26 Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association Year in review 2006-2007