Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Milk
Milk continues to be a staple of Assemby debate:
Helen Mary Jones: I am sure that the milk industry will be grateful for your sympathy, but when it faces a situation whereby in the past eight years the price for consumers has increased by 11 per cent and the money that farmers receive has fallen by 30 per cent, it needs more action than sympathy. Your Minister keeps telling us that he hopes that milk prices will rise, but I think that he is living more in hope than in expectation. While we greatly welcome the concept of fair trade milk, will your Government reconsider the establishment of a milk ombudsman who could ensure transparency in pricing and recommend a fair pricing policy?
Will the Milk Ombudsman double up as a milk monitor?
Helen Mary Jones: I am sure that the milk industry will be grateful for your sympathy, but when it faces a situation whereby in the past eight years the price for consumers has increased by 11 per cent and the money that farmers receive has fallen by 30 per cent, it needs more action than sympathy. Your Minister keeps telling us that he hopes that milk prices will rise, but I think that he is living more in hope than in expectation. While we greatly welcome the concept of fair trade milk, will your Government reconsider the establishment of a milk ombudsman who could ensure transparency in pricing and recommend a fair pricing policy?
Will the Milk Ombudsman double up as a milk monitor?
