Farm Groups Call for Basin Policy Reset

Right-to-Left: Victorian Farmers Federation President Brett Hosking, National Farmers Federation President Hamish McIntyre, NSW Framers President Xavier Martin, on the banks of the Murray River calling for the Federal Government to not to compound the strain food production is under with further water buybacks. IMAGE: National Farmers Federation

Australia’s peak farming bodies have united on the banks of the Murray River, calling on the Federal Government to abandon further water buybacks and commit to what they describe as smarter Basin management.

The National Farmers’ Federation, alongside the Victorian Farmers’ Federation and NSW Farmers, say mounting global pressures- including instability in the Middle East affecting fuel and fertiliser supply - are already placing farmers under strain.

The groups warn removing additional water from production would further impact regional communities and threaten national food security, with NFF President Hamish McIntyre saying farmers are already under pressure and further buybacks risk putting Australia’s food and fibre supply at risk.

NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin says the country cannot afford policies that deepen water shortages, arguing reform must focus on science-based environmental outcomes rather than blanket recovery targets.

The organisations are instead calling for practical investment in infrastructure, improved environmental projects and a coordinated approach across the multiple Basin reviews currently underway.

Victorian Farmers’ Federation President Brett Hosking says farmers are engaging in good faith, but expect policies that work in the real world and back in regional communities.