Vested interests trying to justify electricity profit at our expense

The status quo just won’t do – that’s the message from irrigators to the Australian Energy Council (AEC) as they seek to justify cosy regulatory arrangements that see their industry rake in monopoly profits. National Irrigators’ Council CEO, Steve Whan said “a couple...

ABC upholds complaint on Basin Plan reporting

National Irrigators’ Council CEO, Steve Whan says a ruling by the ABC’s Audience and Consumer Affairs unit upholding a complaint about coverage of the Murray Darling Basin plan by ABC’s Background Briefing is welcome and reinforces the need for...

Energy regulator must crack down on potentially rule breaking excess profit.

The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) on behalf of the Agricultural Industries Energy Taskforce (the Taskforce) has released a damning independent report showing that profits made by electricity networks are more than $2.6 billion higher than they should be – meaning...

Irrigators welcome strong Government action on electricity

The National Irrigators’ Council has welcomed strong action by Government to give regulators more teeth to crack down on excessive profits by electricity companies and ensure a genuine competitive market. CEO Steve Whan said, “the announcement by the Prime...

Support farmers in drought, but protect water property rights says NIC

The National Irrigators’ Council says its members support Government exploring all options to assist irrigators and other farmers affected by drought – within the current water rules. NIC CEO Steve Whan said “many irrigators are on zero allocations and...