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Albanese Government reshuffle offers fresh start for farmers
NSW Farmers says the Albanese Government reshuffle presents a fresh opportunity for a practical and commonsense approach to the agricultural industry.
On Sunday Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Tasmanian MP Julie Collins would replace Murray Watt as Agriculture Minister, adding to her existing portfolio of Small Business.
Senator Watt, meanwhile, was appointed Employment and Workplace Relations Minister amid a pre-election reshuffle prompted by the retirement of Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney and Skills Minister Brendan O’Connor.
NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said while the incoming Federal Agriculture Minister had a big task ahead of her, the portfolio was also a unique opportunity to drive positive change within the sector to keep farmers farming.
“The appointment of Julie Collins as the nation’s Federal Agriculture Minister marks a new chapter for the industry, we’re hopeful of a more practical and common-sense approach – certainly as small business minister she already has an appreciation for some of the challenges we face,” Mr Martin said.
“All Australians have a stake in the future of farming, and the Federal Agriculture Minister has several key responsibilities to enable us to feed the future.
“While there’s much to be done, by working together with the new Minister’s team, there’s much we can do to make a positive difference within the industry and the rural communities that rely on it.”
Key priorities for agriculture
As Ms Collins takes the reins of the nation’s Agriculture portfolio amid the Albanese Government reshuffle, Mr Martin said NSW Farmers looked forward to engaging with the Minister on key priorities for the sector as soon as possible.
“Solutions and support with national traceability reforms, biosecurity concerns and meaningful competition reform are just some of the priorities we hope to be able to work with the Minister as we move forward into this new period,” Mr Martin said.
“This is an exciting time to be in agriculture, and we look forward to engaging and moving forward on key priorities for our state’s farmers with the Minister as soon as she can get her boots in the paddock.”
Mr Martin said Senator Watt’s experience as Agriculture Minister would be vital as he stepped into the workplace relations role, with labour shortages a major constraint for farmers.
“Australian farmers pull their boots on every day to produce the healthy plants and healthy animals that feed and clothe the nation, but they cannot do it alone,” Mr Martin said.
“Whether it’s year-round roles or extra pairs of hands at harvest, we need to ensure we have workers who can support this critical job of getting food from farm gate to dinner plate.
“Former Employment Minister Tony Burke was deaf to our concerns about the practical impacts of legislative changes, but hopefully Senator Watt’s experience with farmers will help him deliver better outcomes.”
National perspective
National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke welcomed Minister Collins to the role in a statement on Sunday.
“The agriculture portfolio holds enormous strategic importance,” Mr Jochinke said.
“The farm sector is central to Australia’s climate and energy plans, as well as our economic prosperity.
“Most importantly, a thriving farm sector means quality, affordable produce for Aussie families amid cost-of-living pressures.
“We hope Minister Collins will be a champion for sensible policies to support and grow our farm sector.”
Mr Jochinke also welcomed Senator Anthony Chisholm into the role as assistant minister to the agricultural portfolio.
“We look forward to also working with Senator Chisholm and having that additional horsepower of an assistant minister in the portfolio,” Mr Jochinke said.
Mr Jochinke said the NFF looked forward to working with the new-look frontbench on a positive plan for the sector as the next election draws nearer.
“We need Minister Collins to work closely and collaboratively with industry to strengthen agriculture’s relationship with the Government,” Mr Jochinke said.
“What farmers are looking for is a demonstration of this government’s commitment to our $100 billion growth target. We want to see positive plans and investments to grow the economy through food and fibre production.”
