The former chief executive of the Potato Marketing Corporation and another senior public servant have been slammed by the Corruption and Crime Commission for a consulting arrangement where one allegedly used their position for enrichment at the state's expense.
Potato growers say farmers may be forced to accept a $650,000 reimbursement offer from the Western Australian government over a failed legal battle with Perth's maverick 'Spud King', despite it being less than half of what they are owed.
Western Australian businessman Roger Hussey has been remembered by his colleagues as an intelligent and energetic contributor to the local community, following his death yesterday.
The state's high labour costs and lack of available farmworkers will make it difficult to compete globally in agribusiness, potato grower Tony Galati told today's Business News Success & Leadership breakfast.
Agriculture Minister Dean Nalder has made his first major move since being given the role, announcing the deregulation of the state's potato industry and a handsome $14 million compensation package for growers.
Potato growers have poured cold water over reports earlier today that they'll support deregulation of the industry, with the Potato Marketing Corporation saying it did not make any such recommendations and one senior grower representative labeling it a media stunt.
Tony Galati's battle with the Potato Marketing Corporation has been dealt a setback, after the regulator won an injunction from the Supreme Court to prevent him producing more than his allocated quota, until at least January 2.
