Business

I’ve stood on the bridge of the Fisheries portfolio before, watching the charts, reading the soundings, and warning the captain that reefs lay ahead. As a former Chief of Staff to a Fisheries Minister, I recognise the signs when a government vessel starts taking on water and the crew pretend it’s just spray over the bow. WA is again steering toward the same rocks: science shouting from the crow’s nest, lobby groups whispering on the bridge, and politicians tightening the sails to catch votes instead of heeding the compass. Now Captain Jackie Jarvis has the helm. We will see whether she keeps a steady course guided by evidence or follows her predecessor into the shallows of cheap populism and political drift.

The 50th Maldon Folk Festival from Friday 31 October to Monday 4 November was fulfilling and full, according to Festival Director Pam Lyons. The town was packed with music, musicians and good vibes. “It’s been really great. I think we’re at capacity,” Pam said on Sunday evening. “Apparently, the ice cream & fudge shop has sold out. I wouldn’t be surprised if all the food vendors have sold out!”

TasFarmers says the 2025-26 State Budget is “what it is", steady and without surprises, with no new taxes and no change to agricultural policy. TasFarmers says the budget highlights the need for stronger leadership and meaningful reform to safeguard the state’s productive economy.

“This facility sits within a few hundred metres of the proposed Avonbank Heavy Mineral Sands Project. It is dependent on a constant and reliable supply of production from Victoria’s potato growers, who are currently at risk of having their production impacted by the proposed VNI West transmission project”: VFF President Brett Hosking.

The Tasmanian Government’s significant investment in health, education, housing, and law and order has been outlined in today’s 2025-26 interim Budget. This is a fiscally responsible budget that will continue to deliver the services that Tasmanians expect and deserve.

A key panel session at the Digital Agrifood Summit exploring Denmark's proposed carbon tax on agriculture has highlighted the need to avoid simplistic comparisons between Australian and European models. GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said the summit, attended by leaders across agriculture, technology, and policy, prompted robust discussion about the relevance and risks of similar mechanisms in the Australian context.

Australia's export-oriented crocodile industry depends on public opinion in foreign countries and the actions of legislators in those countries. This is the industry's primary problem. Two secondary problems arise from this. Australia's crocodile industry has too little economic potential, and lobbying regulations in Australia are too imperfect for Australian farmers to quickly follow global trends.

Hope has turned to disappointment for cash supporters nationwide as consultation on the government’s ‘watered-down’ cash mandate exposure draft regulations closes Friday 7 November ... “The promised mandate is more restrictive than initially proposed with medications, utilities, telecommunications services, and other items no longer considered essential": NSA CEO Chris Grice.

Pakistan has approved market access for Genetically Modified (GM) canola from Australia. Australia is a trusted and reliable supplier of canola to Pakistan, with non-GM canola exports valued at $506 million in the last financial year – making Pakistan one of Australia’s top markets for canola. 

Horsham Rural City Council has welcomed Victorian State Government approval for the establishment of a $300 million food manufacturing plant in Dooen. Farm Frites specialises in frozen potato products.

The Victorian Labor Government is claiming critical minerals will develop jobs and regional growth and boost local economies. Mine Free Glenaladale and the community it represents in East Gippsland disputes this claim by the Government, as there is a high probability existing jobs and industries would be adversely affected by a proposal of a mineral sands mine 25 kilometres west of Bairnsdale.

Madison Eastmond. Riverland medical staff will join hundreds of nurses as they reject the State Government's most recent pay offer, which they claim still "leaves SA nurses and midwifes as the lowest paid in Australia".

The Northern Territory Government welcomes confirmation that Top End Barge Services will commence barge operations between Darwin and Wadeye from mid-November, ensuring freight deliveries to the West Daly region ... “This is a great result for Wadeye, the community came together, identified what it needed, and found a commercial solution": Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Steve Edgington.

Shadow Minister for Communications, Melissa McIntosh said, “we’ve seen job cuts, price increases and reduced mail delivery but eight executives have taken home a whopping $6.8 million in bonuses and that’s on top of their $7.8 million in salaries.”

Naracoorte's much-loved woollen bedding manufacturer, MiniJumbuk, is celebrating an extraordinary milestone — 50 years in business. From humble beginnings, the woollen bedding company’s story is woven with innovation, resilience, and an enduring connection to our community. With a $30 million annual turnover, no debt, 70 employees, and a new expansion underway in Naracoorte ...

Failure. It’s a word most of us try to avoid. Yet the truth is, no meaningful progress ever happens without it. The most effective leaders, whether they’re running a farm, small business, or community organisation, are those who’ve learned to fail forward. They turn mistakes into momentum, setbacks into stepping stones, and doubts into determination.

A single atom of silver working in synergy with carbon and nitrogen atoms can efficiently convert polluting nitrogenous waste in water from industries such as agriculture and mining into ready-to-use liquid fertiliser.

...The new Hanoi office joins Queensland’s existing base in Ho Chi Minh City, making Queensland the first Australian state with a dual-city presence in Vietnam.  Vietnam is now Queensland’s largest export market in Southeast Asia and sixth globally, with beef exports alone up 29 per cent last year. 

Pamela Harrington's smile says it all as the Elders Mt. Wycheproof and District Cup Day unfolded in perfect weather last Saturday. Pamela's black and white ensemble showcased the traditional monochrome colours of Derby Day and later caught the judges' eyes during the Fashions on the Field.

Wycheproof could not have asked for more glorious weather than that which shone upon its Cup Day celebrations on Derby Day in the Country ... The racing surface was pristine! Some said it was the best they’d ever seen it, and rated a good 4, it raced well and looked about as lush as grass could look in the drier conditions of the season.

Global beef trade is poised for growth over the next five years, driven by increasing demand from Asia and export expansions by South American countries, according to a new report by agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank.