Where to now for wheat exports?

摘要

Almost two years after the single desk was abolished the Productivity Commission has consulted stakeholders and reviewed the operations of the new wheat export arrangements. Productivity Commissioner, Wendy Craik, explains the Commission's findings sofar. During July 2008, after 60 years, the 'single desk' for exporting Australian bulk wheat was abolished. Under the new Federal Wheat Export Marketing Act (WEMA), any exporter wishing to export bulk wheat could apply to Wheat Exports Australia (WEA) for accreditation to enable it to export. Bulk Handling Companies (BHCs) that also wished to export had to satisfy an additional port access test to gain accreditation. WEMA required the Productivity Commission (the Commission) to review the operation andeffectiveness of the transitional arrangements. In particular the Commission was asked to look at the role of WEA, the accreditation scheme, the access test, competition in the supply chain and the availability of market information.