Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

It's a shame they hate good news, even when it comes to farmers and agriculture. But, then again, it's no surprise when we see what the Leader of the National Party has to say about the National Farmers Federation, calling them cowards and all sorts of other things as well. This is the biggest ever agricultural export our nation has seen. ABARES has also forecast a winter crop harvest of 55.5 million tonnes. This combination of high yields and high exports is good news for Aussie farmers, farm workers, rural communities and all of us in this country. It also means that Australia can do its part in contributing to global food supply.

Over on this side of the chamber, we like good news, especially when it comes to agriculture and our farmers. It's unfortunate we're not joined by the other side. We know that trade and exports make all the difference in times of stress and food scarcity. I couldn't be prouder to see Australia more than pulling its weight. I congratulate all the farmers and all the farm workers who have worked so hard to deliver these fantastic results. It's happening in all sorts of sectors. We know the industry has its challenges—