By Steve Lewis
From: The Daily Telegraph
January 04, 2012 2:05AM
FOREIGN investors are buying into Australian agriculture companies in "worrying" numbers amid warnings the nation's food security could be "compromised" by overseas businesses.
Overseas investors are snapping up prime agricultural land and rural enterprises, triggering concerns we're selling off the farm. Picture: The Courier-Mail Source: The Courier-Mail
A report commissioned by the Gillard government has found high levels of foreign ownership in prime agricultural industries including sugar, grain and beef, The Daily Telegraph reported.
The nation's sugar industry has recently been targeted by the Chinese and offshore investors have also sunk massive sums into Australia's meat processing and wheat sectors.
A $610 million Spanish takeover of Australia's dominant rice producer, Sunrice, was thwarted last June.
Some of the country's best farms are also being snapped up by overseas investors who mask their identity with complex corporate structures.
It is understood senior government ministers are drawing up plans to ensure foreign investment in Australia's prime farming assets is made more transparent.
An announcement could be made this month when the report - by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics - is expected to be released.
The ABARE report outlines the billions of dollars being paid by foreign investors for a significant stake in Australia's farming sector.
A senate inquiry which has been examining the issue is likely to conclude that Australia's ability to control food supplies will be undermined unless changes are made to foreign investment guidelines.
Since the global financial crisis, foreign ownership in Australian agriculture has exploded, with overseas buyers investing $2.5 billion a year on average over three years.
South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon warned that Australia's food security could be compromised if laws allowing foreign investment were not tightened.
Unlike New Zealand - where any purchase of more than 5ha of land triggers government intervention - Australian laws allow investment up to $231 million.
"We are being mugs if we don't change the rules. We have this open slather approach to foreign investment of our prime agricultural lands that makes us an international laughing stock," Senator Xenophon said.
"You can't blame the Chinese for investing here, it's an open-door policy."
Liberal Senator Bill Heffernan, who is chairing the inquiry, said Australia had to plan ahead 50 years "to control our destiny and sovereign assets".
***
93 COMMENTS
Paul Stalker Posted at 1:11 PM Today
Farmland today... but will it be turned into housing projects tomorrow for the teaming masses from around the world as they sell it off to developers. Control of local assets should not be given to non residents. Investment yes.. Control NO!!
forgotten aussie of wa Posted at 1:10 PM Today
Well we get second rate produce for which we pay top dollar for now, the good food is already going overseas.this way we might get something that is quality.farmers and shires selling out for greed. whats new.
CP of Melbourne Posted at 1:03 PM Today
What we need is for some smart economist to tell us "agriculture" doesn't matter... Then they can tell us the education sector doesn't matter. And retail. ...
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All 93 COMMENTS
Jim of Top End Posted at 2:20 AM Today
ok, yeah give yourselves a pay rise, no worries...ahh by the way, Wh&^ the F&^* are you doing to earn this pay rise? Allowing the country to be sold off. last time this happened we had a 'Dismissal' Bloody Labour Govt's. Aussies have very short memories
Comment 1 of 93
Peter of Brisbane Posted at 2:40 AM Today
Are they buying free-hold or lease-hold land?
Comment 2 of 93
deps of Castle Hill Posted at 2:52 AM Today
Whinge all you like but until Australians start investing in companies that will buy farms that are on the market the overseas investors will keep doing it. So much for needing armies to take over Australia countries will simply buy all our land and then declare us as an annex to their own countries. Time for superannuation funds to start investing in farming enterprises.
Comment 3 of 93
R34L157 of Australia Posted at 3:02 AM Today
Too late to look forward to plan our history, too much has been sacrificed already.. We should have looked at precedent involving international interests in our infrastructure and other countries infrastructure 10 years ago. The fact does come down to the apathetic australian: those who take no notice of struggling farmers and other things in the farming sector, and then complain when we start paying $X for produce etc.. all we can hope for now is to try and hold onto what we have, and stop sending money abroad to countries that hate us when our own people need the money. Thats one of the reasons i avoid international charities. It might seem cold hearted to some, but i believe we should take care of our own before taking care of other countries, and our own includes the station owner in the outback..
Comment 4 of 93
peter of Australia Posted at 3:52 AM Today
as usual ........way too little and way way too late ........ if this government runs a full term then i feel Australia will never recover ......... Not much chance of the governor general intervening either .......... God help us all !!!
Comment 5 of 93
CMC of perth western australia Posted at 4:38 AM Today
Apply the NZ law to Australia. Make Foreign Investment Laws retro-active to be called Siginificant Changes to Foreign Ownership of Australian Natural and Farmed Assets- Changes utilising Carbon and Green and Legal Attributes that work for Australia's Food & Water Longevity. The local workers are losing their jobs as well- Keep Employment in Australia in Farming. Employ US Farmers Subsidisation and Farming Investment for Australian Farmers. What is the point of a boom if the Govt. doesn't set the pace and invest at home? Investigate, thouroughly legally change non-transparent purchasing, the already clearly mis-managed sale of faming land. The population has swollen due to Howards's gross mis-management of legal Immigration, 200,000-300,000 a year for 11 years- and we sell off our food bowl????? Australian Soil= Very Valuable Asset.SAVE OUR FARMS!
Comment 6 of 93
I Left of Love the US Posted at 5:12 AM Today
Oh how your government cares for you...oh so much. Australia cant really be called lucky anymore....most of you just don't know it yet.
Comment 7 of 93
Retiring Farmer Posted at 5:21 AM Today
Next thing you know, all the prime produce will be going to China and we will be left with scraps to feed our children. Its a national disgrace that this is allowed to happen. Get to it Gillard.
Comment 8 of 93
john wilson Posted at 5:25 AM Today
if these foreign companys gain control of to much of our assets we and we faced a food crises we would have to confiscate the farms and inferstructer that they had bought if it comes down to survival we are more inportant then there investments the government would just have to bit the bullet or they would have an uprising against them.
Comment 9 of 93
Jim McBryan of Cairns Posted at 5:42 AM Today
This is a non-problem, in my view. If food security ever became a problem, the government could just nationalise the various foods involved. Hard to see communist Chinese investors complaining about "government ownership".
Comment 10 of 93
just the facts mame of melbourne Posted at 6:02 AM Today
No one who is not an Australian should be able to own Australian land. If you are a foreign national living here, then you can own land while you live here but must sell it once you leave. Australia is for Australian's not foreigners - your country is for you. If you want to own a piece of Australia then become an Australian - otherwise BUGGER OFF. And that is not being a xenophobe!!! I'm only to happy for anyone from any race or religion as long as they are Australian by birth or by choice and that they also PAY for it like the rest of us.
Comment 11 of 93
CJ Thirroul of Thirroul Posted at 6:03 AM Today
Hopefully the legislation will provide the agricultural security we need. Put a caveat within the legislation that any purchase that includes a foreign ownership component that is discovered at any time after the purchase due to things like complex corporate structures etc is declared void and the land reverts to public ownership. Nice safety net.
Comment 12 of 93
oldefellah of bligh's basket state Posted at 6:12 AM Today
What else would they invest in here, education, manufacturing, innovation? We are a source of food and minerals full stop and we are being left behind.
Comment 13 of 93
Dr B S Goh of Australian in Asia Posted at 6:23 AM Today
It is a matter of will on our part. If we want to have food security we must have laws which allow the Govt of day to control food exports in case of a global food crisis which is likely to occur in the period 2040 to 2060.
Comment 14 of 93
truthnotfaithmike of sunnycoast Posted at 6:27 AM Today
They can buy the business or lease it under terms that explicitly indicate we own the land and can take back if necessary. If they want to run it for us as corporations making profits fine, but they never OWN it so we keep our country. This is stupidity in the long term. Transparency means nothing if we still sell it. Even the Chinese all those years ago did not SELL Hong Kong. Our country is so naive when it comes to giving it all away for a few pieces of silver now, and a few jobs. We are like the old ways, for a few beads and blankets the next generations shall weep as slaves to foreign governments.
Comment 15 of 93
Marc of Melbourne Posted at 6:41 AM Today
And what happens in 50 years time if the world faces food shortages and China claims their investments with force??
Comment 16 of 93
soontogohungry Posted at 6:47 AM Today
The average person will be at the mercy of this in years to come, we will have scenes in Australia similar to countries that are experiencing starvation. What is the govt doing? Why are these transactions not transparent, our govt is soft and foolish.
Comment 17 of 93
Nevyn of Adelayed Posted at 6:58 AM Today
The Gumbyment will of course hold an inquest into it all, employ a truck load of consultants who will in turn get sub contractors to write a 500 page document suggesting changes which the Gumbyment will hoo and haa about then totally ignore and say "what problem"
Comment 18 of 93
NMK of Sydney Posted at 7:03 AM Today
An inquiry sounds like a good opportunity to waste millions of dollars and time in inaction. We already know foreign investors are buying up big because sophisticated investors predict (with the climate issues) that food shortage is likely to become a international issue of mammoth proportions (especially if the USA food production is compromised). It aint rocket science. Why does our Government need to waste so much time dilly dallying with their crystal balls!
Comment 19 of 93
Marg of Glebe Posted at 7:13 AM Today
If you run a pole on whether or not this should be allowed, the government and opposition might act on it!
Comment 20 of 93
Parqld of Golg Coast Posted at 7:23 AM Today
What ever happened to the Forein invesment Review Board? This issue was raised last year in media. If the government can make such a snap (knee jerk) decision with regard to live cattle export surely they can act quickly on this issue. On the other hand, maybe there are no quick votes in it.
Comment 21 of 93
Alex Roberts Posted at 7:29 AM Today
Well lets face it,farmers will be hit with a carbon tax which will impact on them more than any other sector,they don't want farmers to use any water,the price of power is going through the roof and no one from Labor or Liberal care or are willing to do anything about it,green laws hindering farmers to run their business properly and then oh&s and I R.So considering that and someone willing to pay a good price for the land why not?.Then they can see what it's like to deal with governments & focas groups.The pollies expect us to compete globaly but opperate in a higher taxing enviroment.We are sick of telling them and them not listening and once it's gone the city people will know what's it's like to twice as much for second rate food.
Comment 22 of 93
Eventually starving of Melbourne Posted at 7:32 AM Today
Our country and government is full of idiots! Whilst everyone worries about their over inflated house prices and interest rates foreign food investors are raping and pillaging our food resources. Eventually we'll grow the food but won't have access to it except at exorbitant prices.
Comment 23 of 93
Boltz of Regional NSW Posted at 7:38 AM Today
Well I guess someone has to buy the farms. The next generation isn't, as we were told (wisely) by our now retiring parents to get better paying jobs. That's why so many famers sons are tradesmen and engineers. Sadly farming isn't viable unless you are given it all on a platter.
Comment 24 of 93
Mark from Maitland Posted at 7:42 AM Today
Statistics show that foreign ownership of Australian agriculture is of similar levels now as in the early 1980's at a little over 10%. Australian agriculture under foreign control is about 5% so this is simply a media beat up. In the end we are a global economy that relies on foreign investment. Of more concern should be the sustainability of current farming practices which are leaving vast tracks of productive farm land degraded some of which is beyond repair. Given that agriculture accounts for approximately 70% of our land area, we can't continue to blame the mining industry which accounts for less than 0.1%
Comment 25 of 93
trevor H of adelaide Posted at 7:43 AM Today
Does this come under the ARROGANT GILLARD free trade policy .Just go to China and try and buy a piece of their land it will not happen.What with industry closing down all around us not being helped by this stupid Labor Party policy of free trade we wont need land .We will be paying for this mob of idiots policies for years to come.
Comment 26 of 93
Smiling Politely of Australia Posted at 7:44 AM Today
this is a serious problem for Australians, now, but more importantly in the future. we need to ensure our food supply-our ability to properly feed ourselves, children and grandchildren is assured. no other country allows their land to be sold off in the same relaxed fashion that Australia does. other countries are making moves not to secure their food supplies for their peoples future, why isn't the Australian govt doing the same for us? 'she'll be right mate' wont cut it when we are paying some other country $1000 a kilo for meat and three veg grown right here.
Comment 27 of 93
Fed Up!!! Posted at 7:46 AM Today
Wow.....this topic was talked about 2 years ago!!!! good to see the government get off their behinds and doing something about it before all Australian produce is loaded onto ships and Australians left with zilch!!
Comment 28 of 93
The Grey Ghost of Cairns Posted at 7:48 AM Today
Foreign investment in Australian agriculture is directly proportional to the lack of support by successive governments since McMahon. A lot like manufacturing, and yes, we will suffer as a consequence.
Comment 29 of 93
8-) Posted at 7:48 AM Today
Maybe we need to starting thinking about Food security and open a Department of Permaculture, before we have no food left.
Comment 30 of 93
Neal of Cairns Posted at 7:51 AM Today
Yes I have been harping on about this for a long time now. The founders of our sugar industry must be turning in their graves as their grandchildren flog off the farms and mills to the Chinese. Our mines are slowly going that way too and when we don't play ball the Chinese get angry. Go over to China and try and buy a business of their's. It won't happen. Never mind the threat of a Chinese military buildup in the pacific that seems to be the main threat in the eyes of western allies. They are taking over from the inside! My post may seem racist but it is not intended to be. We need to much tighter control of our foreign ownership laws. STARTING NOW!
Comment 31 of 93
Brian McLean of Tasmania Posted at 7:52 AM Today
It is not hard to work out that if this short sighted government policy is not reversed there will be a legacy of food shortages and high prices that future Australians will have to endure. An open door policy in this country is an absolute nonsense and one that is promoted by foolish near sighted politicians who can't see beyond their next term in office.
Comment 32 of 93
L Kennedy of Adelaide Posted at 7:52 AM Today
Good on you Nick ! We are like sheep, watching the food capacity of Our Nation get taken away from us and most of that food goes OS and then we pay Top $ for whats left like the Meat Industry. Wake Up Australia ! Before the Big Famine Hits !
Comment 33 of 93
paul b of kempsey Posted at 7:54 AM Today
And one and all said Pauline Hanson was a fool when she mentioned this some ten years back .All you that knocked her start eating your hat because thats all we will be left with,OH its great when karma returns to bite one in the butt.
Comment 34 of 93
disgusted Posted at 7:55 AM Today
what is wrong with this country---foriegners should only be able to lease it---not buy it----australia is the stupidist country on earth---we selll everything---soon to own nothing---we will be paying $40.00 a kilo for spuds---it would be smarter for our government to give farmers zero interest loans---after all they feed us--that would keep them on their land and they would noy have to sell in bad times--
Comment 35 of 93
Geoff of NARANGBA QLD Posted at 7:56 AM Today
Bill Heffernan is a 'rough and tumble' and genuine Aussie farmer who will give no quarter in this inquiry. Go for it Bill and make sure that we retain enough land to, at lease, feed ourselves. This situation should have been corrected as soon as the trend was recognized. Another example of Gillard has failing Australia.
Comment 36 of 93
Common Knowledge of NSW Posted at 8:00 AM Today
C'mon, The Government new about this years ago. If some one had committed to building a huge desalination and irrigation system to feed the inland. We could have been the food bowl of the world in ten years. But no we will have a fast internet system and improved cricket grounds.
Comment 37 of 93
baden of Gilmore, Canberra Posted at 8:01 AM Today
Why am i reading this again and again? Could somebody tell the government just to bloody act and DO SOMETHING and not just put out statements about oversease interests buying up our farms. I don't know one Australian that would object to putting a stop to this. Come on Julia do something for the punter out there this year!
Comment 38 of 93
Billy Hill of Betoota Posted at 8:03 AM Today
Who else is going to farm the land. Young Australians dont want to do that kind of work any more. Most farmers are old blokes looking for a nice retirement package. Who can blame them. If Australians want to keep the land get off your lazy behinds, move from the cities and buy farms.
Comment 39 of 93
Mother of boys of Australia Posted at 8:04 AM Today
So this explains why food prices grown in our own country are increasing.....profits going anywhere but here
Comment 40 of 93
doug of NSW Posted at 8:05 AM Today
Apparently food manufacture requires animals, paddocks, grains and dirt - who would have thought. Scientists are already suggesting, we require more than 2 1/2 times more food than we consume now globally... in just 50 years from now. Even if thats only half true, where is Australia's portion going to come from if we dont own land or invest in our food making infrastructure...
Comment 41 of 93
Nick of Perth Posted at 8:11 AM Today
add to this every other major resource - probably the biggest act of stupidity this country has seen
Comment 42 of 93
I won't let my kids be farmers of Central NSW Posted at 8:14 AM Today
I'm 5th generation Aussie farmer. Farming is finished as a viable industry in Australia. If the Chinese think they can do it better let them try.
Comment 43 of 93
Garry of Sydney Posted at 8:22 AM Today
I was told by this government that they had all this under control some 18 months ago. I have been saying constantly, that if you think the price of food is high now, wait till you have to buy our own food back !
Comment 44 of 93
Max of Lawson Posted at 8:23 AM Today
The biggest problem Australia has is its politicians. No one looks further than the next election. If laws were tightened up they wouldn't be retrospective. Australia really needs to become a little bit nationalistic in its outlook. The left wingers have had their way for too long now and something needs to be done. Let O/S companies come here but let them lease not buy outright.
Comment 45 of 93
Cane Farmer Posted at 8:23 AM Today
Perhaps all those concerned about foreign buy ups of farms may consider that many farmers are tired of being treated like cow manure.....by consumers who conspire daily with supermarkets to be unreasonably demanding on price and utterly unblemished quality. And governments and all their agencies who just screw farmers for fees, have added huge paperwork, and legislation biassed against farmers (eg. Mining companies can use water and waste it, while farmers banned acces to same water). So why not do what out politicians, corporate leaders and most Aussie consumers do......just sell out to the highest bidder?
Comment 46 of 93
harry thomas of sydney Posted at 8:29 AM Today
almost every government in recent years has made it - and continues to make it impossible for farmers to survive. farming should be able to generate a profit, but growing food should not be considered a business like IT, manufacturing, etc. why would anyone stay on the land when at the moment after all the hardships most farmers endure. and us city folk let it happen because we think it doesn't affect us. have any of you eaten an orange, apple, peach overseas? i have eaten tastier cardboard.
Comment 47 of 93
Garry of Sydney Posted at 8:30 AM Today
This government is great at creating taxes on us, so why not place a very high tax on these covert investors to stop our food bowl going overseas. As usual governments wake up well after the public, when it's too late !
Comment 48 of 93
Brad Posted at 8:36 AM Today
Nothing new or surprising here. Our country is virtually prostituted out to corporate greed and oversees governments. The time is getting closer to when the poor will stand up and put an end to the rich getting too greedy. This Government wouldn't even know what day of the week it is yet alone know how to fix a problem such as this.
Comment 49 of 93
Judicus of Brisbane Posted at 8:37 AM Today
We are the dumbest of the dumb in this country. For many years we have been allowing foreign investors to buy whatever they wanted, wherever they wanted, and in the end we will pay the cost hugely. For decades now we have been warned of the future food crisis which is why China and other countries are buying up our best land, so they will be able to feed their people. We won't because we will have literally 'sold the farm'. It is an absolute disgrace that successive governments have allowed this to happen. Australia's food security is compromised. We are being told of a 'bigger Australia', and yet we are taking absolutely no steps to make sure we can feed it. When the hell are these politicians that have just got a massive pay increase going to start earning their money and making policy decisions for the good of this country. It is essential that we put a halt on any further buy ups of farming land in this country. If NZ can organise it surely we can. We will all be heading over there shorly to ensure we can eat.
Comment 50 of 93
Karen of Sydney Posted at 8:42 AM Today
This is huge. Australia's food security is at stake. And when the Inquiry is over, is this ridiculous government actually going to DO anything about it?
Comment 51 of 93
brian sullivan Posted at 8:42 AM Today
I have been amazed and disturbed for many years with the massive sell off of Australian land, businesess and housing to foreigners. What other country in the world allows this on such a scale. We are rapidly heading to a position where we will be tenents in our own country with the landlords living overseas. The New Zealanders are far smarter than our government who seem to think that 231 million dollar limits will stop large land grabs by overseas countries or individuals when in reality all they do is buy up adjacent properties at 231 million apiece until they have huge landholdings all linked together but with seperate titles. No foreign government or individual should be allowed more than a small holding in this country unless they are genuine residents.
Comment 52 of 93
Buy Australian of overseas Posted at 8:45 AM Today
Why were the warnings of 20 to 30 years ago ignored? Oh, thats is right - ignorant politics.
Comment 53 of 93
Josh of sydney Posted at 8:46 AM Today
What can u do if your country is broke? You have to sell. That's what you get when Labor is in power.
Comment 54 of 93
pjn of McKees Hill Posted at 8:46 AM Today
It is too late to start to worry about 'selling off the farm'. The mor things change the more they stay the same, that is the Aussie way of doing things. No one cares until it is too late to solve the issue. We have so many politicians in this country and far too many of them do not know or do not care about what is occurring within country if it outside the CITY limits. I don't blame the farmers one bit for selling up and making a bob or two for all their years working the land.
Comment 55 of 93
John Smith Posted at 8:48 AM Today
This government has known about this 'hole' for years but look how slow they are to act. Seriously, Labor needs to go - they're hopeless at looking after this country.
Comment 56 of 93
Cherry Posted at 8:54 AM Today
Oh here we go again, farmers always complaining - how is this different to any other Australian industry? Nearly every sector includes foreign-owned multi-national corporations, it's just a fact of life. If Australian investors aren't prepared to take on the risk of purchasing an asset and a foreign investor is, or has valued it more highly, it will go to them. If we want to stop foreign investment in Australia, are we also going to stop Australian investment overseas? Of course not. That would be stupid and prevent us from managing risk. Quit your continual complaining, farmers, and get with the program.
Comment 57 of 93
IPDAILY of Kellyville Ridge Posted at 8:55 AM Today
And you wonder why our products here are more expensive. My mother in law (Singapore) always comments on why food prices here in Australia is more expensive than those in Singapore, where all food is imported...China buying everything to feed its own what about our 22 million people.. Only have Labor to blame!
Comment 58 of 93
Chuck of Australia Posted at 8:58 AM Today
This has MONSANTO written all over it!!! GMO food will be the only food grown in this country. 30% nutritional rate at best for all food grown in Australia. Useless Australian Politics voted by Useless Australians! You all deserve to be victims!
Comment 59 of 93
William of Melbourne Posted at 9:00 AM Today
Why do we Aussies permit this ? The rape and pillage of Australia has such a head of steam the Govt. will be powerless to control or reverse their decisions once the adverse foothold is in place. Take action now as there is nothing more sure than those being given the opportunity, will NOT give us the same.
Comment 60 of 93
johnno of Brisbane Posted at 9:01 AM Today
"You can't blame the Chinese for investing here, it's an open-door policy." Just like you cant blame the farmers for selling up when they are paid pittance for their product, and foreign companies offer a generous way out.
Comment 61 of 93
Bennie of Bne Posted at 9:05 AM Today
Yes we are being mugs...food security is highly important...need to close the open-door...immediately
Comment 62 of 93
Norma Simpson of Yandina Qld. Posted at 9:08 AM Today
Oh God, where are Australia's trusty warriors? What would those who gave their lives for this country think of it now?
Comment 63 of 93
Jeff Posted at 9:09 AM Today
Once BHP and Co finish making Australia into a large hole and now we are selling off the Farm !, what are we going to be left with ?
Comment 64 of 93
Jay Posted at 9:12 AM Today
The government is going to stop this? What a joke. The report is correct when it says that we are the laughing stock of the world because we are. The huge drug cartels of the world are laundering their ill gotten billions here on a monthly basis simply by buying up land ... because they can. This government (and previous ones) have made us all look like dickheads.
Comment 65 of 93
Malcolm of Brisbane Posted at 9:14 AM Today
Australians are too wealthy and too lazy too care, and in 10 years time the agriculture will be foreign owned. Australias will just whinge about it and blame some else. Why is our goverment so weak as not to put some real regularation/legislation in the support our nation into the future? Why?... because the city based (majority of voters) members of this society are too PC, they are too a fearfull of voicing there opinion in public, or they are just too stupid to see/plan more than one year ahead
Comment 66 of 93
G. of Perth Posted at 9:15 AM Today
From the mid seventies I have been saying we would be at war with China. But they don't need to go to war with us - just buy us out.... And they are doing a very good job!!
Comment 67 of 93
Brian of Sunshine Coast Posted at 9:26 AM Today
It is truly shameful that this could be allowed in the first place. Just try and buy property in any other country and see how you get on. There's been too much "She'll be right! No worries". It's going to come back and bite our arse big time.
Comment 68 of 93
Scott of Melbourrne Posted at 9:32 AM Today
Why not sell off our farming sector? We've sold almost every natural resource so why not the food off our tables as well.
Comment 69 of 93
Bob Posted at 9:34 AM Today
*sigh* pretty soon there'll only be an Australia in the hearts of Australians. It won't exist as an entity owned by its people. How sad.
Comment 70 of 93
GGluva of Hunter Valley NSW Posted at 9:37 AM Today
Welll Duh - Blind Freddy could see this happening over the last decade but..... as usual the powers of be ignore it until its almost too late! Forget wasting money on an inquiry - change the rules NOW
Comment 71 of 93
Walter of nsw Posted at 9:41 AM Today
I will say it again and again, how stupid and thoughtless thinking of a department, or government, who allows to sell up farming land or mines for that matter, what have they got in there brain? that's the only thing witch keeps Australia afloat,manufacturing never had a chance,I been there ,and have seen what happens when you see a dollar sign in front of your eyes, from another country, greed, for the sake of good for the country.Get assaylum seekers to work and help on farms to help out, so farmers dont HAVE to sell, let them earn there keep?
Comment 72 of 93
Dinsor Posted at 9:53 AM Today
Shock Horror oh my God. This has been happening for 50 years and now that agricultural land in Asia is dryiing up fast they are grabbing ours. Chinese Hong Kong have purchased over 500 miles of our Australia in the past 4 four years. I have written in newspaper articles and asked the Nationals to push a Bill through the Houses to restrict the sale of land to only Australian people. In Asia only the national citizens can purchase land. The Nationals have refused to address this issue which is becoming a serious issue as Australian Farmers who own their own land is now very rare. Government must ensure that Foreigners can Lease, Rent, but can never buy. This is why Foreigners marry Asian ladies to build their own house and grow crops
Comment 73 of 93
Seamus of brisbane Posted at 9:56 AM Today
about bloody time!
Comment 74 of 93
ROSSIE Posted at 9:58 AM Today
I can see it now, the farmers are doing it hard enough now due these country flooding the markets with their vegtables, and the grain isn't that viable. STOP the import of vegtables and the sale of the land. AUSTRALIANS are getting taken over in our own country
Comment 75 of 93
Jim of Brisbane Posted at 10:01 AM Today
This has all been going on for years. By the time the government does anything it will be way too late.No wonder they're killing Quarantine, we wont need it if we don't have any agriculture.
Comment 76 of 93
Noell Dene Posted at 10:01 AM Today
how is this even legal? Any government that allows the sale of anything necessary to the security of a country ought to be had up for treason. But then again..I've never understood how any person or company based overseas could legally own a part of another country...businesses included.
Comment 77 of 93
Luciano Paganini of Cairns Posted at 10:05 AM Today
Typical of Australian Government Policy... Always Shut the gate after the horse has bolted.. Fancy New Zealand being smarter than Australia? Charles.
Comment 78 of 93
LetTheRortBegin of QLD Posted at 10:16 AM Today
They'll set any produce they produce to a related company in China at a loss to avoid paying any tax in Australia. It's Iwasaki all over again.
Comment 79 of 93
John Stuart Mill of Collie WA Posted at 10:16 AM Today
Yet if I try to buy a farm in China, or a holiday home in Thailand, I'll be told to go away. This unfettered selling of our heritage is an absolute disgrace, and yet another indictment on self interested, self serving politicians on both sides of politics, and at both State and Federal level. Where's the leadership in this country? Don't answer, the question was rhetorical.
Comment 80 of 93
Ken Allan Posted at 10:24 AM Today
When will we get a government that puts the interests of the australian people first ???
Comment 81 of 93
Scott2Bware of Central Coast Posted at 10:26 AM Today
There is a quick fix to this apart from becoming a Republic and changing foriegn investment just charge triple rates on all foriegn owned property, triple the land taxes as well, and keep raising the taxes until they sell up and leave. Atleast as a republic you would have to be born Australian to run the country.
Comment 82 of 93
Patsy Posted at 10:29 AM Today
Well, what do you do if the Australian government can't see the benefits of investing in Aussie farmers but others overseas can? Allow farmers to form companies and sell shares that do not let any overseas investor become the major shareholder. Is it that easy? BTW. Been to the country recently? The fruit is delicious and cheap as chips. Come back home to the 'burbs and all I can get is mostly imported, ovepriced RUBBISH!
Comment 83 of 93
mal Posted at 10:35 AM Today
Close the door NOW!
Comment 84 of 93
Poppy Poh Pah Posted at 10:38 AM Today
Look at all the emotive language in this piece, we do need truth and correct figures, but shouldn't the people be able to decide whether these things are "worrying" or not instead of being told they are!
Comment 85 of 93
Mel Posted at 10:48 AM Today
This is just another example of the apathy and gross negligence shown by successive Australian governments on both sides of politics. Neither Liberal nor Labor have had a proper policy on foreign ownership of Australian property for 40 years. Consequently, most of the nation has scandalously been sold off to foreign corporations. Many of those corporations are owned or sponsored by opportunistic foreign governments of dubious repute.
Comment 86 of 93
horses away in the distance of the closing gate Posted at 10:56 AM Today
The great sell-off of agricultural assets has been happening for well over a decade. Howard was too busy being slapped on the back by doctors and his mates in the insurance game while selling off public assets to notice. Key infrastructure was being sold out from under his nose, starting with food processing plants in the late 90's early 2000's and now the farms, foreigners almost own the entire food supply chain.
Comment 87 of 93
DEN of wa Posted at 11:06 AM Today
what will be on labels next PRODUCE OF AUSTRALIA - CHINA OWNED , WAKE UP AUSTRALIA WE ARE BEING SOLDOUT, OVER RUN ,FOREIGN OWNED.
Comment 88 of 93
the cycle of the western empire is now in decline Posted at 11:17 AM Today
Judging by the comments the people are crying out for socialism. Let the government control all and pay us all. Stop foreigners buying us. Stop buying foreign products. Introduce tariffs and trade restrictions to force us all to buy expensive Australian manufactured goods so our companies don't go broke from paying high wages for no reason. And ultimately we will desire a strong leader to protect us and "turn the country around". But if history is any indication, these strong leaders who turn around countries usually don't stop there...
Comment 89 of 93
Fu of Perth Posted at 12:52 PM Today
The xenophobic racists got up this morning and decided to post here. Stopped reading after 30 as its the same irrational xenophobia repeated. Investment is a very good thing for industries; fresh investment and strong interest usually drives efficiency and innovation which increases production levels or lowers costs. Food prices are high because the food industry has not undergone any major revolutions in the last 30 years short of GM (which everyone resists) and the reality is that the rest of the world is richer and the world as a whole is increasing in population. More consumers with more money will compete harder for scarse resources and drive up the price; of course as price goes up relatively more production is viable but agriculture is greatly limited by the time it takes to grow things and the amount of space there is to grow it in. Investors typically want to get better returns on their money; they rarely care who buys their product so long as it maximises their profit; how many of you would sink your hard earned money into a company just to make no profit and sell stuff to your fellow Aussies cheaply? definately none of you worried about $5 extra grocery costs a week.
Comment 90 of 93
CP of Melbourne Posted at 1:03 PM Today
What we need is for some smart economist to tell us "agriculture" doesn't matter... Then they can tell us the education sector doesn't matter. And retail. ...
Comment 91 of 93
forgotten aussie of wa Posted at 1:10 PM Today
Well we get second rate produce for which we pay top dollar for now, the good food is already going overseas.this way we might get something that is quality.farmers and shires selling out for greed. whats new.
Comment 92 of 93
Paul Stalker Posted at 1:11 PM Today
Farmland today... but will it be turned into housing projects tomorrow for the teaming masses from around the world as they sell it off to developers. Control of local assets should not be given to non residents. Investment yes.. Control NO!!
Comment 93 of 93
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/business/theyre-selling-off-the-farmer/story-e6frfm1i-1226236073417#ixzz1iU82k1N4
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What do you think ?
Các anh chị nghĩ thế nào, có ý kiến phê bình gì qua bài viết "They're selling off the farmer" của Steve Lewis từ The Daily Telegraph và 93 Ý kiến phê bình từ "93 COMMENTS" của đọc giả ?
Theo suy nghĩ thô thiển của conbenho, vấn đề trên đây không chỉ đơn thuần được quan tâm trong lãnh vực "Business" mà còn ảnh hưởng đến những lãnh vực khác nữa để người dân Úc cần phải quan tâm, nhất là những người có thẩm quyền, đặc biệt là những "chính trị gia"...
Còn nữa, trong đời sống hàng ngày, có những vấn đề nhiều người cho rằng "nhỏ nhặt, tầm thường" nhưng thực tế vô cùng quan trọng vì ảnh hưởng trực tiếp đến sự sống của con người, đó là thức ăn . Những bà nội trợ cần phải quan tâm đến những thực phẩm như rau cải, trái cây, thịt .. được sản xuất từ nông trại, rất tươi tốt, giá rẻ một cách "bất thường" được bán từ những "phố tàu", nhiều người cứ thấy "tươi tốt" nhưng lại rẻ là mua, thực chất không phải chuyện đơn giản !..
Chân thành cám ơn Quý Anh Chị ghé thăm "conbenho Nguyễn Hoài Trang Blog"
Xin được lắng nghe ý kiến chia sẻ của Quý Anh Chị trực tiếp tại Diễn Đàn Paltalk: 1Latdo Tapdoan Vietgian CSVN Phanquoc Bannuoc .
Kính chúc Sức Khỏe Quý Anh Chị .
conbenho
Tiểu Muội quantu
Nguyễn Hoài Trang
04012012
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