A new discussion paper released on Friday as part of the ongoing cattle transaction levy review provides some early insights into producer feedback received so far through a national online survey, which is still open.

Respondents have so far expressed overall support for levy investments in marketing functions, with about 50 percent reporting the industry benefits “very well to moderately well”, 42pc indicating “slight returns” and 8pc saying they saw “no returns at all”.

Research investments were seen as delivering “very well to moderate” returns by 41pc of respondents, while 52pc indicated “slight returns” and 7pc saw “no return”.

Commentary also highlighted concerns about investment in programs perceived to offer little, if any, direct benefit to the broader levy-paying community, with specific reference to initiatives such as CN30 (Carbon Neutrality by 2030).

“It was commonly held that investments in these areas should be primarily undertaken by governments and not through limited funds available for research and development activities that directly concern the production of grassfed cattle,” the paper notes.

Approximately 42pc and 44pc of respondents respectively indicated they saw “strong or moderate returns” from National Residue Survey and Animal Health Australia investment streams, while 46pc and 49pc saw “slight returns” and 7pc and 12pc responded that they saw “no returns”.

In response to questions around whether additional areas of investment beyond the current four investment streams should be considered, 70 percent of respondents voted “in favour of additional investment functions while maintaining the current investment streams”.

Of the additional investment options presented, biosecurity attracted the strongest support, with 74pc in favour

The paper said producer commentary stressed the importance of biosecurity and protection for the industry. But it also noted that while industry investment may have a role, biosecurity support should substantively remain a public good investment funded primarily through Government funded initiatives.

Respondents also expressed support for industry representation functions as an additional investment option, with 52pc in favour.

With regard to the use of levy funds to support industry representative functions, and whether resource limitations were reducing the effectiveness of levy investments, the paper revealed that 75 percent of survey respondents so far either “fully supported or were not opposed” to industry representation being funded directly from the levy.

A minority of 25 percent were opposed to the suggestion or sought further information.

“Many of those expressing positive sentiment towards this question noted the importance of substantial producer engagement in industry strategic planning and program investment functions, and the barriers to being able to do so currently (time away from farm etc.),” the paper says.

In response to whether there should be greater flexibility to adjust levy spending in response to changing circumstances, 50pc supported the proposal outright, 38pc said their support would depend on the circumstances and 12pc opposed the suggestion.

On how often formal levy reviews should occur, 55pc supported reviews every five years, 34pc preferred every 10 years and 11pc favoured reviews every two years.

The newly released document, titled Discussion Paper Two: Further Consultation on the Review of the Grassfed Cattle Transaction Levy, builds on a preliminary discussion paper released in May and provides a comprehensive overview of issues being considered through the review including:

•    The flexibility of the current levy system and its ability to respond to emerging industry priorities;
•    Alignment of levy reviews with industry strategic planning cycles;
•    Future priorities for levy-funded marketing activities;
•    Investment in industry integrity systems, including the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) and Livestock Production Assurance (LPA);
•    The role and funding of industry representation;
•    Improving producer engagement and participation; and
•    The importance of independent oversight and accountability for levy expenditure.

The paper says it does not serve to make recommendations but is intended “to present the committee’s thinking to industry members and advance discussion about where reforms may be needed to improve accountability and the return on levy investment”.

To read the latest consultation paper in full click here.

National producer consultation meeting schedule

In-person events schedule:

• Monday 13 July – Kimberley Station, Moranbah
• Tuesday 14 July – Clarke Creek Community Hall, Clarke Creek
• Tuesday 14 July – Theodore Hotel, Theodore
• Wednesday 15 July – Bauhinia Community Hall, b
• Wednesday 15 July – Buckland Rec Club, Buckland
• Monday 20 July 2 pm – Naracoorte, Bayview Sale Complex
• Tuesday 21 July 9 am – Mount Gambier, The Barn
• Tuesday 21 July 3 pm – Mortlake, Banquet Angus Sale Complex
• Wednesday 22 July 8:30 am- Ballarat, Selkirk Stadium
• Wednesday 22 July  3:30 pm – Launceston, Hotel Grand Chancellor
• Thursday 23 July 10:30 am – Sale, Maffco Brewery
• Tuesday 28 July 9 am – Bunbury, Vat 2 – Register Here
• Tuesday 28 July 4 pm – Perth, Ingot Hotel – Register Here
• Thursday 30 July 10 am – Holbrook, Register Here
• Thursday 30 July 4pm – Yass, Register Here
• Monday 3 August 6 pm – Malanda, Malanda Hotel Ballroom – Register Here
• Tuesday 4 August 10 am – Conjuboy, Oasis Road House – Register Here
• Tuesday 4 August 6 pm – Charters Towers, Charters Towers RSL – Register Here
• Friday 7 August 9:30 am – Brisbane, Rydges Hotel – Register Here
• Monday 10 August – Moree, Weebollabolla Sale Complex
• Tuesday 11 August – Glen Innes, Glen Innes RSL
• Tuesday 11 August – Walcha, Walcha Bowling Club
• Wedensday 12 August – Tamworth, 3R Angus
• Thursday 13 August – Dubbo, Polldale Sale Complex
• Thursday 13 August – Orange, TBC
• Monday 17 August 11 am – Cloncurry, Concurry Precinct
• Monday 17 August 5 pm – Longreach,  Birdcage Hotel
• Tuesday 18 August 12 noon – Augathella, Bowls Club
• Tuesday 18 August – Roma, The Club Hotel
• Monday 24 August – Alice Springs, Arid Zone Reaserch station
• Tuesday 25 August – Tennant Creek, Barkly Business Hub
• Thursday 27 August – Katherine, Reaserch Station
• Friday 28 August – Darwin, John England Building

For more details and link to national survey visit the CA cattle transaction levy review hub here