Controversies don't help industry: farmers

National Farmers Federation president Fiona Simson said her industry needs to be transparent about the issues it faces, to make sure consumers don't just get one side of the story.

A review of federal water buybacks was sparked by revelations Mr Taylor had been involved with a company that benefited from an $80 million buyback.

Mr Taylor also narrowly avoided an inquiry into his dealings with environment officials and alleged illegal land clearing.

"He has justified what he's done, very publicly and very well," Ms Simson told the Rural Press Club of Victoria on Wednesday.

But when asked if the controversies were helping farmers as they tried to talking positively about the industry, she said: "No."

"The buybacks have been referred to the Australian National Audit Office. We wait for their determination," Ms Simson said.

"I think it was the right thing to do for (Water Resources Minister) David Littleproud to refer not just those buybacks but all the buybacks.

"In terms of the land management stuff I think it got voted down in parliament yesterday. He has made statements about it that, has distanced himself from the process, and really that's up to parliament to pursue."

Ms Simson said farmers needed to be ready to talk about the issues in the industry, including water, labour exploitation, animal welfare, and land management.

"We don't want workers exploited, we don't want this around our industry, we have to be serious. Just as we don't want animal welfare breaches," she said.

She also said the government should make sure the programs it runs - like water buybacks and land management laws - are transparent so the community doesn't lose faith in them.

"Transparency is a key measure of the success of some of these programs," Ms Simson said.

"We think the government should build that in some of these things, making sure the community has faith in the projects."

Australian Associated Press