Jock Laurie enters third term as NFF President

Walcha farmer Jock Laurie has been returned as the President of the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) for a third term at the NFF Members’ Council meeting and AGM in Canberra today.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Laurie said the NFF’s core priority for the year ahead is to continue to push for strong, positive outcomes for Australia’s farmers and the wider agricultural sector in policy development and Parliamentary decision-making.
“One of the NFF’s key roles is to help the Government understand the implications of its political and policy decisions on our nation’s farmers,” Mr Laurie said.
“It’s a role we take very seriously – and, as the attendance of the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, Minister for Agriculture, Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Leader of the Australian Greens, an influential Independent MP and other senior Ministers and Parliamentarians at Congress this week has shown, our voice is heard and respected where it really matters, on the Hill.
“Just yesterday, we had the Prime Minister make a major announcement at our Congress regarding the establishment of a foreign investment register – something the NFF and our members have long been working with Government to achieve.
“Of course, there is always much more work to be done, and the year ahead is shaping up to be a fascinating one in federal politics. As we move into an election year, the NFF will continue to work with all sides of Parliament to ensure the best outcomes for agriculture across the key issues facing the sector, and to ensure the future sustainability of our invaluable resources – land, water, finance and people,” Mr Laurie said.
The election of the NFF Board for 2012-13 was also held at the Members’ Council and AGM, with Duncan Fraser returned as Vice-President and existing board members Alf Cristaudo, Brent Finlay and Fiona Simson also returned.
Elected to the Board for the first term was Peter Tuohey, President of the Victorian Farmers Federation and Ian Burnett, incoming President of AgForce.
Mr Laurie welcomed the incoming NFF Board directors and paid tribute to outgoing directors, Andrew Broad and Joanne Grainger as they stepped down from the Board.
“I extend a warm welcome to Peter and Ian in joining the NFF Board – their commitment to agriculture will strongly complement our existing leadership team. And I thank Andrew and Joanne for their valuable contribution to the NFF Board. On behalf of the NFF, I wish both Andrew and Joanne well in their future endeavours,” Mr Laurie said.
The NFF Members’ Council meeting and AGM continues in Canberra today.