Newsroom

July 18, 2025

Bob Katter, Federal Member for Kennedy, has slammed the closure of Bega's peanut processing plants in Tolga and Kingaroy, labelling it yet another blow in the deliberate destruction of Australian food manufacturing by governments that "should never be forgiven."

"This country used to have thriving industries: tobacco, peanuts, maize, flour, citrus, grapes, and about 30 major food lines. Each one smashed," Mr Katter said. "Now they tell me 46 per cent of Australia's fruit and vegetables come from overseas. You think the average Australian would believe their own government did this to them?"

Katter pointed to the sugar industry as a textbook example of what's gone wrong.

"Once upon a time, 23 of our 26 sugar mills were owned by local farmers. Now, go check it, every one of them is foreign-owned. The Nationals and Liberals gave away the industry under a so-called reform deal that handed over $270 million a year to reduce protections and open us to the mercy of the global market. Labor just rolled over and went along with it.

"We are the only country on earth that sends our gladiators, our food producers, into the ring without a helmet and shield. The rest of the world? Their farmers are supported to the tune of 41 per cent of their income. In Australia? Four per cent. You think we're 36 per cent better farmers than the rest of the world? Give me a break."

Mr Katter also condemned the hypocrisy of the federal government pouring $100 million into corporate giants like Bunnings and Officeworks to install EV chargers and solar panels^[1] while regional food processors are shut down.

"While they shovel public money into Bunnings, Woolworths, and Coles, who already mark-up fresh food by over 200 per cent, we're shutting down regional factories and family farms that feed the country. It's completely absurd."

With the closure of Tolga's peanut processing facility, the Atherton Tablelands loses another key pillar of its agricultural base, putting growers, workers, and communities at risk.

"We are rapidly losing the ability to feed ourselves," Mr Katter warned. "When the ports close, or China decides to flick the switch on exports, or international prices go up, we'll be sitting here naked, with no shield, no helmet, and no food."

[1] www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jun/28/australian-government-loans-100m-to-install-ev-chargers-and-solar-panels-at-bunnings-and-officeworks-stores