Christopher Back (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I seek leave to amend business of the Senate notice of motion No. 1 by inserting, after paragraph (e), the following paragraph (f):

ways to further incorporate animal welfare principles in agriculture courses; and

Leave granted.

I move the motion as amended:

That the following matter be referred to the Education, Employment and Workplace Relations References Committee for inquiry and report by 1 March 2012:

All aspects of higher education and skills training to support future demand in agriculture and agribusiness in Australia be examined, including:

  (a)   the adequacy and priority given to funding in the agriculture and agribusiness higher education and vocational education and training (VET) sectors by federal, state and territory governments;

  (b)   the significant decline in agricultural and related educational facilities in the past decade, including reasons and impacts;

  (c)   solutions to address the widening gap between demand and supply for higher education and VET sector graduates in agriculture and agribusiness in Australia;

  (d)   the impact of this shortage in terms of agriculture research, including research into climate change adaptation and sustainable agricultural techniques, bio-security and food security;

  (e)   the economic impact on Australia’s terms of trade and reputation as a trusted supplier of high quality foodstuffs to world markets;

  (f)   ways to further incorporate animal welfare principles in agriculture courses; and

  (g)   any related matters.