Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt lauded the Australian Government’s efforts to protect and grow the country’s primary industries despite significant global challenges.
Speaking on the one-year anniversary of his appointment, Minister Watt said that in terms of sustainable production and climate adaptation, the Federal Government worked with the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors to become even more sustainable, investing $302 million through the Natural Heritage Trust to drive climate-smart agriculture practices and sustainable agricultural outcomes.
The Federal Government also invested $300 million in the forestry sector to expand plantation estates and modernise timber manufacturing, $20 million to implement the National Soil Action Plan and a further $20.3 million for the Carbon Farming Outreach program.
Additionally, it worked to bring farm employers and unions together to collaborate and pursue immediate and long-term solutions for agricultural workforce issues.
Minister Watt added that during his first year, the Government delivered a historic sustainable funding model for biosecurity, with $1.03 billion in permanent funding already secured.
It also committed over $40 million for 65 Indigenous Ranger groups in a North Australian Coordination Network, a network that boosts surveillance capabilities in the north and provides opportunities for First Nations people.
In line with biosecurity development efforts, the Government also delivered Australia’s first National Biosecurity Strategy, created a joint task force with the National Emergency Management Agency and started implementing a national traceability system for sheep and goats.
In terms of trade, the Government worked to improve and maintain access to 107 markets, Including India through the ratification of the Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.
It also started restoring trade with China, including recently resuming cotton and timber exports and progressing with the removal of barley tariffs.
“The partnerships we have built, the listening we have done and the additional $2.3 billion in federal funding in the past year will support the sector as we continue to support it to reach its $100 billion goal,” Minister Watt stated.
