Farmers to have their say on the dairy service levy

The Levy Poll Advisory Committee has recommended a poll be conducted of all dairy farmers to determine the future level of the dairy service levy. 

Earlier this year, dairy farmer and industry representatives were appointed to an independent Levy Poll Advisory Committee (LPAC) set up to conduct the levy review. 

Ron Storey, Chair of the Levy Poll Advisory Committee, led the review and commented: “It’s time for the dairy farmers to vote on the levy; twelve out of the fifteen LPAC members are dairy farmers and the decision was unanimous. 

“The last levy poll was almost ten years ago. A lot has changed during that time for farmers and the industry looks quite different. There are challenges, but there are also great opportunities. 

“It’s important that the Australian dairy industry has the right settings for future investment so that it can develop and realise its full potential. This poll puts that decision in the hands of those with most at stake, the dairy farmers.” 

LPAC will now develop the voting options which will go on the ballot, including LPAC’s recommended option, expected by September 2021. LPAC and its members will continue seeking input and feedback from farmers in the coming weeks to determine the voting options, including a preferred LPAC option. 

Further communications and engagement will follow as we lead into the poll to take place March 2022, with an outcome on the levy by April 2022. 

To view LPAC’s full report on the decision around moving to a levy poll and more on the Dairy Levy Review visit dairylevyreview.com.au