The primary production select committee heard submissions on the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill – or DIRA Bill as it’s commonly known.
All the heavyweights from the dairy industry and many others were there. Some, including Fonterra chairman Henry van der Heyden, were making their first appearance before a select committee. Shane Ardern, chairman, did a good job, ensuring submitters had a fair say and that MPs got to ask questions within reasonable time constraints.
The various groups and individuals all presented well and made the most of their time before the committee.
They took the opportunity to put across to the MPs
their key messages and there were outbreaks of friendly banter.
In respect of the DIRA Bill there is a perception among some submitters that the process is being rushed and that not all farmers are sure of what they are getting or not getting.
‘Confusion’ is probably a bit strong a word for it, but DIRA clearly means different things to different people. Fonterra seems to be the happiest which probably means their competitors aren’t happy, although interestingly, no one completely rubbished the bill.
But despite the process, the real test will be in the final draft of the bill. Will all the concerns of the submitters be taken into account and if so which ones and to what extent? Will Fonterra get its wicked way or will its opponents get theirs and what, if any, compromise will be brokered?
Clearly the overriding intent of the DIRA Bill will remain. While it might be reasonable to expect some ‘technical’ changes to the bill, major change is probably a bridge too far.
The DIRA Bill is an important one for farmers, the dairy industry and NZ Inc and it’s important that politicians focus on framing and passing a piece of legislation that is fair, workable and beneficial to all – not one that’s tainted by petty politics.
– Peter Burke
