Ministerial Statement
Senate · Tuesday 2 September 2025
Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia
The Minister for Industry and Innovation tabled a statement on agriculture on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The Shadow Minister for Water, Fisheries and Forestry moved that the Senate take note of the document, arguing that recent positive economic figures reflected industry resilience rather than government success. Cadell criticised government water management, biosecurity measures, and market access policies, citing rising costs and environmental challenges facing producers. The debate concluded with the motion being noted and the debate adjourned.
The Senate took note of the document and the debate was adjourned.
Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.
Opened the debate
Ayres tabled a ministerial statement concerning agriculture on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The statement was presented to the Senate for consideration. No further details of the statement's content were provided in the speech.
Opposition response
Cadell argued that the $100 billion agricultural output figure resulted from the hard work of farmers, foresters, and fishers, not government policy. Cadell claimed government water purchases had caused water trade volumes to drop to 759 gigalitres and median prices to rise to $260 per megalitre, which he described as poor governance. Cadell highlighted droughts, algal blooms, and biosecurity issues such as varroa mite and white spot in prawns as evidence of inadequate support. Cadell also criticised the government for restricting marine environments and forestry areas, and for failing to secure stable market access for products like tropical lobster in China.