The state’s peak farm body has welcomed a Federal Government commitment to extend right to repair laws to agricultural machinery.
NSW Farmers’ President Xavier Martin said the reforms pledged by Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers on Friday had followed years of advocacy by the Association.
“We’ve been calling for a legislated right to repair our farm machinery for a long time, and it’s brilliant to see our Federal Government has listened,” Mr Martin said.
“These reforms will slash the huge costs and wait times farmers are facing to get their machinery fixed – and that in turn will help them put food on tables and clothes on backs in a way that’s faster and more efficient than ever before.”
With the Productivity Commission estimating the reforms would boost agricultural productivity by $97 million annually, Mr Martin said it was imperative the repairs market for farm machinery was opened as soon as possible.
“Farmers in countries like Canada have had this right for years – as has our automative industry here in Australia – and it’s simply time we evened the score,” Mr Martin said.
“Enabling us to get our machines repaired by suitably qualified independent repairers will keep costs down and productivity up, so it’s really a no-brainer.
“If Jim Chalmers is serious about pushing up productivity, then pushing through this reform should be number one on his list for 2026.”
Media Release: NSW Farmers
