IN advance of Saturday’s Federal Election, the National Farmers’ Federation has released its 2025 Election Scorecard, revealing how it believes the major parties stack up on key issues of importance to agriculture and regional Australia.

In a media release issued to release the scorecard this morning, NFF President David Jochinke said farmers – and all Australians who care about where their food and fibre comes from – would “head to the ballot box on Saturday with clear eyes, thanks to the scorecard’s analysis of party policies against the NFF’s 2025 Election Platform: Securing Australia’s Farming Future“.

“Our message to voters is simple: if you want to keep farming strong, this election matters,” Mr Jochinke said.

“Food security, farm costs, regional infrastructure and workforce shortages aren’t issues that can sit in the too-hard basket. Farmers need a Parliament that’s backing them in, not backing away.”

“A mixed bag of commitments”

The NFF release said its scorecard showed “a mixed bag of commitments”.

“Labor and the Coalition both support a National Food Security Plan – a key ask from farmers and the broader food supply chain this election.

“Both Labor and the Coalition have also pledged practical measures like extending the Instant Asset Write Off, funding Farmsafe Australia, and across Labor, the Coalition and The Greens, investing into childcare and varying levels of support for partnering with farmers on sustainability.”

Some proposed changes would make life harder for farmers

However, some parties were either silent or actively proposing changes that would make life harder for farmers, including altering the Diesel Fuel Rebate, introducing the Super Tax, and maintaining a damaging live sheep export ban, the NFF said.

While the NFF welcomed positive steps from all sides, it was clear no party had earned a perfect scorecard.

“Farmers don’t have time for political spin. We’ve scrutinised the policies, and now it’s up to voters to make their call based on the facts.”

Key missing gaps in policy commitments

Key gaps in commitments include meaningful progress on industrial relations reform, fair visa settings for farm workers, an end to water buybacks, and proper investment in regional roads and infrastructure.

“Farmers and regional communities are looking for leadership. The policies on the table show some good intent – but intent doesn’t put fuel in tractors, workers on farms or food on the shelves.

“We need to see serious effort to roll back the red and green tape, and tackle rising input costs and pressures driven by global and climate volatility.

“This election comes at a critical time for Australian agriculture, regional communities, and for every family who relies on farmers for affordable food and fibre.

“Post election day, we look forward to working closely with the Government, crossbenchers and all parties to discuss how federal policies impact farmers and the cost of living for all Australians.”

Source: NFF. The NFF’s scorecard can be viewed ​here​. To read the NFF’s full Election Platform on its website ​click here​.