Matt Burnell (Spence, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

In considering the proposed expenditure of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry portfolio, I do so through a myriad of perspectives. I start off by viewing agriculture in the way I first knew: as a kid growing up on a farm in Mildura. This lived experience has put me in good stead to now sit on the House Standing Committee on Agriculture. A report tabled late last year, Australian food story: feeding the nation and beyond, involved travelling across the country to see innovative ways Australians in agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture adapt to harsh conditions and come out on top. The basis of the report and its findings are extremely germane to our government's holistic policy to augment this industry while safeguarding it from risks in the short, medium and long term.

As the member for Spence, where farming occupations account for around two per cent of all jobs and which is home to the Northern Adelaide Plains Food Cluster, I see firsthand the importance of agriculture. This region produces around 200,000 tonnes of produce each year, with a farmgate value of roughly $300 million. Our agriculture industry is crucial not just to Spence but across the nation. The sector provides the food we eat and contributes to food security, economic growth, international trade, and direct and indirect employment. A strong agricultural industry means a stronger and more prosperous Australia.

The Albanese government has acted to provide necessary tools for growth by removing trade barriers and improving access to global markets. In the three years leading up to 2019-20, Australia exported around 72 per cent of its total value of agricultural, fisheries and forestry production. Since coming into office, we have reduced trade impediments imposed by China from $20 billion to less than $1 billion, benefiting key agricultural and forestry exports like bottled wine, barley, red meat, timber logs, and oat and hay. In 2023, China returned as our most valuable destination for agricultural, fisheries and forestry products, worth $17 billion. Our efforts to build stronger ties with India, negotiate a free trade agreement with the UAE and support regional trade cooperation are opening new doors for Australian agriculture.

The Indo-Pacific and South-East Asian regions are critical markets for Australian agriculture. In 2022, our agriculture and food exports to South-East Asia were valued at $17.5 billion. Key commodities such as wheat, cotton and beef are vital to these markets. Our wheat exports to Indonesia alone were valued at $2.4 billion, while cotton exports to Vietnam reached $1.97 billion. Over the past decade, wheat exports to South-East Asia have increased by 215 per cent and cotton exports have surged to 524 per cent. Our strategic engagement aims to enhance these trade relationships further. Australia's agriculture and food trade with South-East Asia is diverse. Wheat is used for bakery items, pasta, noodles and animal feed, while cotton supports the textile industry. Australian beef and dairy products are essential for the retail and hospitality sectors in these regions. Our government supports for new market access, such as access for Hass avocados to Thailand and India, is crucial for expanding these relationships. Agriculture as a sector in 2022-23 contributed 13.6 per cent of Australia's goods and services exports, was valued at $94.3 billion and employed 257,000 people.

The need to recognise, mitigate and innovate in response to climate change is not controversial but a reality. The damage from inaction can be measured in billions of dollars in losses to our economy and tens of thousands of jobs lost. The House Standing Committee on Agriculture's inquiry on food security, with submissions from the National Farmers Federation, highlighted the current impacts and costs of climate change to the sector and the need for adaptive actions.

Ensuring food security is a cornerstone of our national policy, guaranteeing all Australians have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food. The Albanese Labor government understands the interconnectedness of food security and national security and the need to plan ahead to build the resilience and sustainability of our food supply chains. Australia's farming communities are on the frontline of climate change, facing frequent and severe droughts. The Albanese government is committed to helping these communities, through the Future Drought Fund. We're investing $561.3 million towards supporting farmers and regional communities in managing drought and climate risks. This includes $235 million for local community partnerships, $137.4 million for informed decision-making and $120.3 million for innovative solutions to build long-term resilience.

For these reasons, I believe the proposed expenditure for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Portfolio should be adopted.

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