18 Feb 2010

Govt intervention needed to reverse wool decline - Labour

6:45 am on 18 February 2010

The Labour Party says the wool industry won't be able to reverse its decline if it's left to its own devices and Government intervention will be needed.

Agriculture spokesperson Damien O'Connor says a taskforce report commissioned by Agriculture Minister David Carter will be a major disappointment to an industry looking for some direction and leadership.

Mr Carter says the report identifies strategies for restoring the profitability of the strong wool sector and it's now up to the industry to act on that.

But Mr O'Connor says it was compromised from the start and the Government will have to step in to cut through "layers of self interest" choking the industry.

He said it's time for someone to make sure the structure can deliver for farmers and the industry for the future.