|
|
|
Growers fight back over deal on Iraq wheat debt
13 Jul 2004
The decision by the Australian Government and the grains industry to retire Iraq's $135 million wheat debt is coming under fire in Western Australia. WA Farmers' Federation has called for the resignation of Keith Perrett, president of the Grains Council of Australia. WA wheat growers believe they should have been consulted before the decision was made.
WA Agriculture Minister Kim Chance said each grower is owed about $25,000.
The federation stated it did not necessarily disagree with the decision to forgive Iraq's wheat debt, but the Government has a "moral obligation" to the growers, as the Government's actions led to the growers not being paid.
Mr Perrett responded that the Grains Council had come to its position after full consultation with the states, including WA.
WA accounts for about a third of Australia's wheat production and almost half its exports.
Australian Financial Review, 13/7/04.
|
|
