Agriculture Industry

Swanson seconded the motion, praising the House Standing Committee on Agriculture for reports on food security and trade. Swanson highlighted the government's response to biosecurity threats and the implementation of a mandatory grocery code of conduct. Swanson commended efforts to open markets in South-East Asia and restore trade with China. Swanson noted investments in the Agriculture and Land Sectoral Plan and climate-smart agriculture programs to support young farmers and sustainability.

Conaghan argued that the government had damaged the agriculture sector through policy changes such as cancelling the dedicated agricultural visa. Conaghan criticised the proposed $150 million biosecurity protection levy as unfair to farmers. Conaghan opposed the shutdown of the live sheep industry, stating it lacked community consultation. Conaghan also highlighted concerns about diesel taxes on utility vehicles and water buybacks that he claimed wasted resources. Conaghan asserted that these policies ignored the needs of generational farmers.

Phillips emphasised the importance of agriculture to regional communities and cited her attendance at local agricultural shows. Phillips highlighted the restoration of trade relations with China and the removal of $20 billion in trade impediments. Phillips noted the growth of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme and increased enrolments in free TAFE courses. Phillips argued that the government addressed workforce shortages left by the previous administration through targeted programs and taskforces.

Willcox criticised the ban on gillnets in the fishing industry, arguing it harmed fishermen without scientific justification. Willcox opposed the biosecurity levy and the tax on diesel vehicles, stating it increased costs for rural residents. Willcox argued that the live sheep trade ban was driven by political alliances rather than animal welfare. Willcox highlighted rising electricity costs and the placement of solar panels on agricultural land as detrimental to farmers. Willcox also criticised the cancellation of funding for the Urannah Dam project.

Mitchell highlighted the economic contribution of agriculture in Tasmania, noting farm-gate values exceeded $2 billion in 2023. Mitchell cited government investments in the Greater Meander Irrigation Scheme and the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme to secure water access. Mitchell mentioned funding for the On Farm Connectivity Program to support technology adoption. Mitchell argued that the government was addressing climate change impacts on farm profitability, contrasting this with previous inaction. Mitchell emphasised the development of plans to reduce sector emissions and support sustainability.