Thursday 17th September 2015

KAP delivers sweet success

KAP Member for Dalrymple for Shane Knuth has welcomed the move to accelerate his Sugar industry
real choice in Marketing Bill to be voted on by the 3rd of December this year.
The fast track motion, which was unanimously passed in the house today was seen as another positive
step towards market reassurance for sugar cane producers.
This move alone shows that there is significant support for our Bill, Mr Knuth said.
I see this as recognition from both the Government and Opposition that there is significant support for
our efforts to provide real choice in sugar marketing.
The Bill which will now be decided by the last sitting for the year ensures that growers economic
interests and livelihoods are safe guarded within the market.
Mill owners have stated they will exit the long standing Raw Sugar Supply Agreements (RSSA) with
Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) by 2016.
It is imperative action is taken, Mr Knuth said.
This endorsement should be encouraging news for all of Queensland who survives off the back of the
sugar industry.
Mr Knuth said he was happy to continue to work with both sides of Government to assist the multibillion
dollar Queensland industry.
The KAP crossbenchers were also pleased that the Sugar industry (Real Choice in Marketing Bill) has
received the endorsement of the Member for Cook Billy Gordon.
This provides the numbers for the bill to be passed with support from either the Government or the
Opposition, Mr Knuth said.
Immediate action needs to take place it is clear this bill is the solution the industry has been crying
out for.
Member for Mt Isa Rob Katter who sits on the Agricultural committee which oversaw the review of the
Bill said the importance of the bill was significantly understated in the tabled report.
I am glad to see that Shanes bill has been considered further, I have no doubts this is music to the
ears of Queensland Growers.
We will always fight for the rights of our producers to ensure they have a fair go.

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