CREEVEY RUSSELL SUBMITS TO ACCC AGRIBUSINESS FORUM

CREEVEY Russell has championed Queensland's agribusiness sector this month, presenting key submissions at the recent Toowoomba beef forum hosted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The forum is an integral part of the ACCC's recently announced market study into the cattle and beef industry, with founding partner and head of litigation Dan Creevey presenting the firm's findings to the regulator last Friday.

Creevey, who has previously owned cattle properties and been involved in the industry for more than 40 years, made submissions on behalf of client direct requests to consider a number of reform recommendations. 

These included the establishment of a producer-owned body for the industry.

Creevey says many rural producers have been caught short on returns over the past few years, despite an increase in retail prices.

"Despite the increase in retail prices for beef since 2001, producers have not seen an increase to their returns until 2014," says Creevey.

"However, this increase is very small when compared to the overall increase in the cost of farming inputs.

"If producers continue to receive prices for beef that are below the cost of production, it is only a matter of time until it is no longer economical for them to continue."

He notes that Australia's beef industry employs about 200,000 people nationwide and has a total value of $18.2 billion.

Aside from its formal ties, Creevey Russell has also made a more grassroots pledge of support to the industry.

The firm has committed to only purchasing the Dairy Farmers brand of milk for its Brisbane and Toowoomba offices, particularly in response to the farmers rallies nationally calling for action on the milk price crisis.

"The old saying is that once in your life you need a lawyer, a doctor, a policeman and a preacher, but every day you need a farmer," says Creevey.

"These protests, organised by Farmer Power, highlight the financial crisis that the average Australian dairy farmer faces from cheap dairy products and fluctuations in both the domestic and global markets."

He says by spending a few extra dollars a day on Australian brands, businesses can offer much needed backing for farmers.