Australian farmers are set to gain long-sought freedom over how their machinery is repaired, with the Federal Government committing to extend national Right to Repair laws to agricultural equipment.

The move is welcomed as a landmark productivity reform across the farm sector.

Following a meeting of state and territory Treasurers, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed agricultural machinery will be included in national Right to Repair reforms designed to modernise the economy and lift productivity.

NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said the announcement followed years of advocacy and marked a major turning point for the industry.

“We’ve been calling for a legislated right to repair our farm machinery for a long time, and it’s brilliant to see our Federal Government has listened,” Mr Martin said.

“These reforms will slash the huge costs and wait times farmers are facing to get their machinery fixed – and that in turn will help them put food on tables and clothes on backs in a way that’s faster and more efficient than ever before.”

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) described the decision as a historic win for farmers and a direct result of sustained advocacy from across the sector.

NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the reform would deliver long-overdue competition and control back to farmers.

“Farmers will finally have more freedom to choose who services and repairs their machinery."

"That means less downtime, lower costs, and more control over their own businesses,” Mr McIntyre said.

“When a machine breaks down in the middle of harvest, waiting on an authorised dealer isn’t just inconvenient, it can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

"This reform will help farmers stay productive and competitive, which is exactly what farmers and the economy needs.”

Economic modelling by the Productivity Commission estimates the reforms could lift agricultural production by $97 million annually, while greater competition in the repair sector is expected to drive a $311 million increase to GDP.

Andrew Leigh is the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, and has received praise from farming groups for advocating on the right to repair issue.

Mr Martin said those figures reinforced the urgency of opening up the repairs market.

“Farmers in countries like Canada have had this right for years – as has our automotive industry here in Australia – and it’s simply time we evened the score,” he said.

“Enabling us to get our machines repaired by suitably qualified independent repairers will keep costs down and productivity up, so it’s really a no-brainer.

Mr McIntyre said the Government’s commitment showed a clear understanding that supporting farmers delivers benefits well beyond the farm gate.

“This will see real economic gains for the sector and the broader economy,” he said.

The NFF has led the push for Right to Repair reforms for many years alongside its member organisations through the NFF Right to Repair Taskforce.

“The NFF would like to acknowledge the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, Andrew Leigh, for his genuine engagement with the sector and ongoing advocacy on the issue,” Mr McIntyre said.

Victorian Farmers’ Federation President Brett Hosking was also thrilled with the outcome.

“This is a game-changing piece of reform that will act on recommendations from farmers, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Productivity Commission and Right to Repair academics, as well as putting us in line with our international competitors,” Mr Hosking said.

“The VFF in partnership with the NFF has been pushing hard for this outcome, and it’s pleasing to see the Government back a practical reform that helps farmers get on with the job.”

GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said the commitment would ensure fair access to repair options for growers when it mattered most.

“Extending Right to Repair laws to agricultural machinery is a landmark moment that will give farmers greater choice, reduce costs, and keep them operating when it matters most,” Ms Gawel said.

Mr Martin said the reforms would also deliver direct benefits to regional communities by allowing farmers to rely on local, independent repairers.

“This major reform will mean that farmers will be able to choose to use and support a qualified local repairer, so they can get their machinery fixed without huge costs or wait times,” he said.