According to Federl Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, the paper sets the future direction of agricultural policy to drive long-term growth and prosperity across rural and regional Australia.

“For the first time, Australia has a long-term plan to strengthen and sustain our agriculture sector. Everyone across the electorate knows all too well that a strong agriculture sector contributes to a strong economy. It means more jobs, more exports, higher incomes and better services for our local communities. I am determined to help make the agriculture sector even more competitive and to deliver practical actions that will keep our farmers and farming families profitable and resilient.” 

A key initiative is a $11.4 million investment to boost the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) engagement with the agricultural sector, including a new commissioner with expertise in agriculture. The paper also includes investments to build 21st century water, transport and communications infrastructure, including a new National Water Infrastructure Fund.

“I am also pleased the government has announced the opening of new export markets and that it will protect Australia’s highly prized biosecurity status, which underpins our valuable exports,” he said. 

Also included is $200 million to improve biosecurity and $30.8 million to break down technical barriers to trade and appointing five new overseas Agriculture Counsellors.

“I am very pleased with the initiatives set out and I look forward to seeing the practical outcomes not only for farmers, but also for the rural and regional communities across the Parkes electorate and Australia more broadly,” Mr Coulton said. 

For more visit agwhitepaper.agriculture.gov.au