Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That this House:

(1) acknowledges that:

(a) agriculture is a cornerstone of Australia's social, economic and environmental sustainability, and plays an essential role in our nation's prosperity;

(b) in the 2023-24 financial year, the agriculture sector generated over $82 billion, driving Australia's economy forward;

(c) the agriculture sector employs 257,000 Australians; and

(d) over 90 per cent of the fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, milk, and eggs available in Australia are produced locally, safeguarding our nation's food security; and

(2) notes that:

(a) the Australian agriculture sector is facing increased pressure due to this Government's destructive actions;

(b) this Government's decision to scrap the dedicated agriculture visa has left the industry with severe and widespread workforce shortages;

(c) Australia's water security is being jeopardised by this Government's reckless slashing of over $7 billion from critical water infrastructure projects; and

(d) this Government's misguided agriculture policies have driven food prices up by 12 per cent, piling even more financial strain on everyday Australians.

I rise today to move a motion in recognition of our agricultural sector, a cornerstone of Australia's social, economic and environmental sustainability. Agriculture is not just an industry; it's an essential part of who we are as Australians. Our farmers work tirelessly to put food on our tables, contribute to our economy and protect our food security. In the 2023-24 financial year alone, the agricultural sector generated over $82 billion, bolstering our economy and creating jobs. In fact, this sector employs 257,000 Australians, with many working in our rural and regional communities, ensuring that over 90 per cent of our fresh produce is grown right here on Australian soil. However, our farmers are facing unprecedented challenges due to the actions of this government, which consistently disregards the needs of those who keep our food supply stable and affordable.

The Albanese government's decision to scrap the dedicated agriculture visa has left a gaping hole in our workforce. Industry leaders have warned of a workforce shortfall of 172,000 people, yet these calls for support have gone unanswered. Instead, Labor has chosen to rely on the Pacific Australia Labor Mobility scheme, which does not adequately meet the needs of our farmers. Our farmers need workers to keep operations running. This government has left them stranded. This isn't an issue just for farmers; it's an issue for every Australian. Without a secure workforce our farmers can't produce more, which means supply goes down and prices go up. Every Australian feels the cost of Labor's choices at the checkout.

Labor's actions have not only undermined our workforce but also compromised Australia's water security. Water is the lifeblood of agriculture, and, by cutting over $7 billion from critical water infrastructure projects, Labor is threatening the very foundation of our farming communities. They stripped $483 million from the Urannah Dam project in Central Queensland, an initiative that would have secured water for farmers across Capricornia, yet, in blatant hypocrisy, they were quick to cut the ribbon on Rookwood Weir, a coalition funded project. This inconsistency is symbolic of a government that prioritises inner-city voices over the needs of our rural and regional communities. These reckless cuts go beyond budgetary decisions. They're an assault on the entire agriculture supply chain. Every dollar invested in water infrastructure yields enormous benefits, ensuring that our farmers can withstand droughts and changing weather conditions. By pulling this funding, Labor aren't just jeopardising the livelihoods of farmers; they're threatening the stability of rural communities and the broader Australian economy. Under this government, food prices have risen by 12 per cent, adding even more strain to Australian families, while Labor claim to support Australians struggling with the cost of living, their agricultural policies are doing the opposite.

These policies are raising grocery bills for every household in the country, impacting everyone from families in our cities to pensioners in the bush. Our farmers bear the cost of misguided policies every day, and, in turn, so do Australian families. When Australians see their grocery bill, they should be reminded that this government is driving those prices up. Every price increase at the supermarket reflects Labor's misguided policies. Farmers aren't the only ones paying the price. The entire agriculture supply chain, the regional communities that depend on farming, and every hardworking family being hit with higher grocery bills are feeling let down by this government.

On 10 September 2024, thousands of farmers gathered for the National Ag Rally on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra. This rally was a powerful display of the sector's frustration with Labor's anti-agriculture agenda. Farmers from communities across Australia came together, united by a shared message: the Albanese government's policies are hurting those who feed our nation and drive our economy. I stand with our farmers and our agricultural communities in Capricornia and across the nation. Agriculture is not a political bargaining chip; it's the backbone of our nation. It supports families, sustains businesses and fortifies regional Australia. Our farmers have earned our respect and support. We must ensure that their needs are prioritised, not dismissed. It's time for this government to stop turning its back on agriculture and start recognising the essential role it plays in our prosperity, security and identity. Today I call on this House to acknowledge the importance of Australian agriculture and to reverse the harmful policies that are jeopardising the future of this vital industry. Let's keep farmers farming.

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