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AWB chief defends monopoly scheme
22 Sep 2003
AWB Ltd's CEO Andrew Lindberg has defended the need for its monopoly on bulk wheat exporting and says millions of dollars are at risk if it ends. Mr Lindberg said if the single desk system for wheat exports were dumped, the capacity of farmers to borrow against the wheat crop would be diminished.
The Federal Government is currently establishing an independent tribunal to look at the benefits of continuing the single desk, with a decision to be made in 2004.
Mr Lindberg said it's ultimately up to the Government to decide if the single desk is still appropriate, but AWB believes it is. If you are going to have exports competing against the single desk seller you may as well not have a single desk seller, he stated.
The bulk wheat exporter's purchase of Wesfarmers Landmark in August 2003 will assist with AWB's diversification and help the group continue to grow if the single desk is axed.
The Courier-Mail, 22/9/03, page 18.
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