Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Minister for Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

As it happens, I am not aware of any alternative policies that would support regional and rural Australia—at least, none from those opposite, certainly. In six or so years under the previous government, we saw agriculture become nothing more than a policy afterthought. Slashing of the agriculture department's budget, shutting down of trades and complete lack of interest in or understanding of rural and regional Australia typified their time in office. By contrast, we have two white papers, three free trade agreements and six new live export markets, which are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this government's commitment to agriculture. We on this side believe our prosperity as a nation is intrinsically linked with the fortunes or rural and regional Australia. We will continue to ensure we do our best to deliver better outcomes for our primary producers and our rural and regional communities into the future.