ABSTRACT

The general policy guidelines of the Industries Assistance Commission (IAC) provide a good starting point for consideration of the objectives of Australian agricultural policy. The guidelines state that

The Commission is required to . . . have regard to the desire of the Commonwealth Government—

(a) to encourage the development and growth of efficient Australian industries that are internationally competitive, export-oriented and capable of operating over a long period of time with minimum levels of assistance;

(b) to facilitate adjustment to structural changes in the economy by industries and persons affected by those changes, and to minimize social and economic hardships arising from those changes; and

(c) to recognize the interests of other industries, and of consumers, likely to be affected by measures proposed by the Commission.

(Industries Assistance Commission, 1985a)