Agriculture Industry, Small Business

McCormack criticised the government for spending $107 million to end live sheep exports by 2028 and $430 million on water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin. McCormack argued that these expenditures effectively stopped farmers from farming and irrigating, benefiting the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder which already held 72 per cent of the basin's water. McCormack contended that these policies prevented farmers from producing food and fibre, describing them as a folly that ignored the needs of the agricultural sector.

Scrymgour highlighted government measures to ease pressure on small businesses, including the permanent instant asset write-off and loss carry-back arrangements. Scrymgour noted that 2,200 applications totalling $47.5 million were submitted in the Northern Territory alone, with agriculture being the largest claiming sector. Scrymgour also mentioned investments in faster payment times, procurement rules favouring local businesses, and support for Indigenous enterprises. Scrymgour acknowledged the impact of recent storms on Alice Springs businesses and affirmed government commitment to recovery efforts alongside the Northern Territory government.

Birrell expressed confusion over the government's apparent hostility to small business, citing distress among business owners regarding trust and taxation changes. Birrell argued that farmers were suffering from rising temporary water prices due to government water purchases, which reduced the consumptive pool. Birrell criticised the ban on credit card surcharges, stating it forced businesses to absorb costs or raise prices, and claimed the government did not understand tight profit margins. Birrell suggested the Prime Minister's lack of enthusiasm for small business issues was evident during question time.

Cook detailed government support for regional Western Australia, including the opening of a Regional University Study Hub in Northam and a Medicare mental health urgent care clinic. Cook highlighted infrastructure investments, such as $112 million for Toodyay Road upgrades, and noted that farmgate production had reached over $100 billion. Cook emphasised trade achievements, including 286 market access wins and new overseas markets for Western Australian produce. Cook stated that the government was delivering practical support in education, health, transport, and tax relief to empower regional economies.

Venning criticised the government for high diesel costs, which he claimed had risen significantly since the Prime Minister took office. Venning argued that proposed taxes on unrealised gains in superannuation and changes to trust taxation were pushing generational farmers off the land. Venning highlighted issues with the Working Holiday Maker program, stating that delays and ballot systems were disrupting harvests and causing stress for farming families. Venning also opposed the rezoning of prime agricultural land for housing and renewable energy projects, arguing that farmland cannot be replaced once developed.

Urquhart outlined investments in water security, including $62 million for the Sassafras Wesley Vale irrigation scheme, and biosecurity measures exceeding $270 million for bird flu response. Urquhart noted that the Future Drought Fund was supporting climate resilience projects and that farmers could access additional concessional finance through the Regional Investment Corporation. Urquhart highlighted the mandatory food and grocery code to protect suppliers and cited record trade growth, including duty-free access for Tasmanian goods under the Australian-EU free trade agreement. Urquhart emphasised the government's role in providing practical support for skills, exports, and infrastructure.

Phillips described the thriving nature of her electorate, supported by defence, tourism, and agricultural industries. Phillips highlighted government actions to secure skilled workers for agriculture and construction through priority processing in the migration program. Phillips noted investments in energy efficiency grants and the fuel resilience package to protect against global disruptions. Phillips affirmed the government's commitment to food security through the Feeding Australia strategy and continued support for farmers facing challenges such as drought and disease.