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and transparent definition of so- cial licence to work with in future, to deliver real certainty and grow business confidence, with clearly defined meanings on key mat- ters eg; who the actual licensing body/agent is; the communities impacted by the licence; what the actual offences are and committed by whom; standards of evidence to guide the agent's decisions; and the steps needed to remedy issues and address so called 'community con- cern' (ie animal welfare improve- ments), and maintain trust, rather than invoking blunt bans". GPA believes that without these clear guidelines for 'social licence', Australian producers and farming industries will face even greater uncertainty, in confronting an even more volatile future. Colin Bettles is the Chief Executive of Grain Producers Australia. This arti- cle was first published on Farmon- line in August 2023.
ing activist agenda would be em- boldened by this ban, applying its significant funding, resources, and subversive strategies to tar- get cattle and grains. This ban will set a dangerous precedent which would encour- age other extreme activist groups targeting the cropping sector, such as those ideologically opposed to the use of fertilisers, pesticides, and biotechnology, despite heavy regulation and objective scientific evidence of their safety. GPA's submission highlighted the points raised by Allan about the flawed interpretation of 'social licence' used to justify this ban. The submission highlighted the "dangerous, poor precedent this ban sets for all of Australian agri- culture and the broader commun- ity", arguing that it creates greater uncertainty, confusion and loss of confidence. The submission called upon the panel process to consider the fact that agriculture requires "a clear
being accepted by anyone, with evidence of better health totally ignored? Our members are watching this policy decision with intense inter- est, to not only try to comprehend it, but also predict what's coming next from the 'licensing authority'. We can't continue to stand back and say nothing when such poor policy decisions are being made, contrary to facts and proof. The new 10 per cent Biosecurity Protection Levy that's raising funds for consolidated government rev- enue is really another tax on grow- ers and another example of this approach, which concerns GPA. You have to stand up for what's right. That's why GPA made a submission to the consultation panel process on the phase-out of live sheep exports by sea. We also presented our views to the four-member panel at a public hearing in Sydney. Our submission covered in ACM papers said the anti-farm-
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