Free trade more important than public health in Australia

[the_hawk*]

Dangerous levels of lead found in imported canned peaches and no one stops them from being imported

http://www.sharmanstone.com/MediaandSpeeches/MediaReleases/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleI...

[spotweldersfriend]

I can see the Masterfoods CEO's weekender from here in the Hunter donna.He must be well paid. It must have at least 5 or 6 bedrooms.

[the_hawk*]

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@*mrgrizz* wrote:

how does this involve free trade?

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ummm because this contaminated food comes in without the proper checks under a free trade policy

[*mrgrizz*]

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@the_hawk* wrote:

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@*mrgrizz* wrote:

how does this involve free trade?

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ummm because this contaminated food comes in without the proper checks under a free trade policy

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we don't have a free trade agreement with china

[newstart2380]

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@the_hawk* wrote:

well in the light of the SPC thread I thought this was a valid point for keeping food production going in Oz for our personal health as well as the health of our economy.

The way our farms are being sold off to foreign countries because farmers cant get any assistance.

the clean food will end up being exported back home and we will end up importing contaminated rubbish to feed our kids.

food for thought

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Could not agree more with everything you have said BUT - the farmers decide who they will sell to and like all business people will sell to the highest bidder, unfortunately that's how it is and the population will scream even louder if they the tax payer is forced to prop up the farmers. We cannot have it both ways. We want ownership to stay in Australia but we don't want to help the farmer so he makes a living and is not selling below the production costs to him. Because of our huge costs in production (wages etc) we cannot compete and until people realise we all have to make some sacrifice it won't change.

[the_hawk*]

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@newstart2380 wrote:

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@the_hawk* wrote:

well in the light of the SPC thread I thought this was a valid point for keeping food production going in Oz for our personal health as well as the health of our economy.

The way our farms are being sold off to foreign countries because farmers cant get any assistance.

the clean food will end up being exported back home and we will end up importing contaminated rubbish to feed our kids.

food for thought

---

Could not agree more with everything you have said BUT - the farmers decide who they will sell to and like all business people will sell to the highest bidder, unfortunately that's how it is and the population will scream even louder if they the tax payer is forced to prop up the farmers. We cannot have it both ways. We want ownership to stay in Australia but we don't want to help the farmer so he makes a living and is not selling below the production costs to him. Because of our huge costs in production (wages etc) we cannot compete and until people realise we all have to make some sacrifice it won't change.

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The lack of help is the reason they are selling if they can or just walking off the land.

https://www.google.com.au/#q=australian+farmers+walk+of+land

[spotweldersfriend]

The farmers don't have much choice newstart.Not when Coles and Woolies have the upper hand. I've grafted on a couple of large orchards and you'd be amazed at the amount of fruit that ends up on the ground. There's nothing wrong with it,but the buyers (Coles and Woolies) are very strict re size,colour,appearance etc.That 'unattractive' fruit could and should go to the needy.

[the_hawk*]

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@*mrgrizz* wrote:

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@the_hawk* wrote:

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@*mrgrizz* wrote:

how does this involve free trade?

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ummm because this contaminated food comes in without the proper checks under a free trade policy

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we don't have a free trade agreement with china

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the fact that they have been working in one for 8 years may have a small part in turning a blind eye to contaminated food

http://www.dfat.gov.au/fta/acfta/

and the fact that they are planning on a signed deal this year, but no we dont have one. lol

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/chinese-free-trade-agreement-set-to-be-signed-...

[i-need-a-martini]

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@donnashuggy wrote:

I don't think you can be that confident Martini just because it is made in Australia, my husband said Arnotts was one of the filthiest places he ever worked, masterfoods one of the best.

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But at least we know there are standards and checks.

Who knows what conditions food is being prepared in overseas.

[icyfroth]

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@newstart2380 wrote:

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@the_hawk* wrote:

well in the light of the SPC thread I thought this was a valid point for keeping food production going in Oz for our personal health as well as the health of our economy.

The way our farms are being sold off to foreign countries because farmers cant get any assistance.

the clean food will end up being exported back home and we will end up importing contaminated rubbish to feed our kids.

food for thought

---

Could not agree more with everything you have said BUT - the farmers decide who they will sell to and like all business people will sell to the highest bidder, unfortunately that's how it is and the population will scream even louder if they the tax payer is forced to prop up the farmers.

Farmers should have tax concessions and be offered low interest loans to help them keep their farms in production .

We cannot have it both ways. We want ownership to stay in Australia but we don't want to help the farmer so he makes a living and is not selling below the production costs to him.

There should be government regulations and restrictions on retailer's purchasing activities.

Because of our huge costs in production (wages etc) we cannot compete and until people realise we all have to make some sacrifice it won't change.

Tariffs should apply to imports so local producers can compete.

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[**meep**]

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@i-need-a-martini wrote:

I don't understand why anyone buys food labelled anything but grown/made/canned in Australia.

For godness sakes - pay a little more so that you at least can be more confident in what you are getting

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I buy from continental food stores because the products I like are not made in Australia and I do actually pay more for those.