The Rudd Government today welcomed Liberal Party support for one of its major economic reforms – to the $5 billion Australian wheat industry.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the Wheat Export Marketing Bill 2008 yesterday passed the House of Representatives with a majority of 117 votes.

The Liberal Party supported the Bill and proposed some amendments, while the Nationals remain opposed.

It is expected to be introduced to the Senate later this month.

“I welcome the Liberal Party’s support for our reforms,” Mr Burke said.

“This important legislation will deliver on a key Rudd Government election commitment and was finalised after an extensive consultation process.

“We acknowledge that this has been a difficult issue for many wheat growers.

“However, this reform was essential because of the neglect of the previous government.

“I note that no member of the Opposition argued to retain the current bulk wheat export marketing arrangements.

“It remains to be seen how the Senate will vote on this Bill.

“But in good faith we will examine the amendments put forward by the Liberals to see if there is a cooperative way of dealing with these in the Senate.

“The Rudd Government is committed to having a new bulk wheat export marketing system in place by 1 July 2008, to give growers certainty about the future of the crop they’ve just planted.

“The Government believes in giving growers the choice of which exporter they wish to use – after all, it is their wheat.”