AWB notes the Senate Committee report into the Wheat Export Marketing Bill 2008 and welcomes adoption of consequential amendments to clarify the future of the Wheat Export Authority powers, remove some unintended consequences and minimise potential compliance costs.

AWB Managing Director, Gordon Davis, said AWB supports the focus on fair access provisions in the legislation to ensure that regional monopolies in storage and handling do not dominate the grains industry.

“AWB continues to support ACCC access agreements at port with appropriate definitions of the shipping stem as the preferred approach to resolve fair access provisions in the legislation,” Mr Davis said.

“AWB remains ready to work with the Government and the grains industry to facilitate a smooth transition to the new wheat export marketing arrangements.

“In the interim, AWB will continue to fulfil all its obligations to wheat growers under the current 2007/08 National Pool arrangements and develop new commercial options to provide marketing choice and improved services and benefits to wheat growers.”

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