WA; Fed govt hypocritical in grain marketing approach - Chance

AAP General News (Australia)
02-17-2004
WA; Fed govt hypocritical in grain marketing approach - Chance

West Australian Agriculture Minister KIM CHANCE is accusing the federal government
of blatant hypocrisy in its approach to grain marketing.

Mr CHANCE says the federal government is pressuring the states to allow more competition,
and then accusing them of undermining the single desk marketing system.

He says Treasurer PETER COSTELLO is using the National Competition Council as a battering
ram against the states and then penalising them by withholding National Competition Policy
payments.

Mr CHANCE says the worst case occurred last week, when South Australia had $3 million
withheld by the treasurer because it had not deregulated its barley marketing arrangements
in line with federal Liberal policy.

AAP RTV hn/wjf/swe/rcg

KEYWORD: GRAIN CHANCE (PERTH)

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