The Palaszczuk Government has asked an eminent former Queensland Supreme Court judge to mediate in the dispute between Wilmar and QSL.
The government was advised on Monday that Wilmar and QSL agreed in principle to mediation.
Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne said the Honourable Richard Chesterman AO RFD had agreed to act as the mediator.
“We have consistently supported a negotiated outcome,” Mr Byrne said.
“By agreeing to fund and facilitate this process the government aims to bring the matter to a swift and satisfactory resolution without the need for further potentially damaging political intervention.
“The government will pay the costs of the mediator and arrange any administrative support as required, but there will be no further direction from politicians.
“If both Wilmar and QSL agree Mr Chesterman will seek to guide the parties to an informal agreement as quickly as possible.
“It is political meddling that has caused the drawn-out and costly dispute in the first place.
“Both Wilmar and QSL have indicated their willingness to carry on talking to resolve their dispute.
“They have met many times in recent weeks and each time they have edged closer to a resolution even though the promise of more political intervention from the LNP has interfered with the talks and made a negotiated resolution less likely.”
Mr Byrne said the 2015 LNP amendments opposed by the Palaszczuk Government had been disastrous for the industry.
