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Nationals support horticulture and agriculture industry with fair prices and prioritising water infrastructure in regional Australia

Acknowledgment and gratitude for the horticulture industry's contribution during challenging times. Commitment to support agriculture, repeal unfavourable policies, and promote fair prices. Water infrastructure and stewardship emphasised.

By news@gippsland - 7th June 2023 - Back to News

Well, thank you to the AusVeg team. Can I firstly acknowledge you, the men and women of the horticulture industry that helped our nation deliver its first surplus in over 10 years, but also your efforts during one of our nation's most challenging times since the Second World War, the supply chains that kept our nation fed during Covid-19 are something that you, your industry should be proud of.

The Liberal Nationals is grateful for the horticulture industry's role in ensuring food supply during challenging times, thanking them on behalf of the nation

Food security appreciation

There weren't fights over the last banana or last apple in our supermarkets while there was on toilet paper, because of your efforts, because of the professionalism and the pride and conviction of what you do in feeding our great nation and feeding parts of the world.

And we should make sure that not only the world understands that, but Australians understand that. And as the Australian Agriculture Minister at the time, I was profoundly proud that while many other parts of our economy and our society were falling apart, Australian agriculture wasn't, it continued to do its job.

Despite the adversity and the challenges that you faced, you continued to make sure that food was on those shelves, that Australians had that comfort of knowing that that primal instinct of being fed was being looked after by the men and women of the Australian agricultural sector. And for that, I say on behalf of a grateful nation, thank you.

Constructive leadership

While political fortunes have changed, my job's changed, my purpose hasn't, and becoming the leader of The Nationals, I felt it important that while my job is to hold the government to account, my job is also to make sure that I'm constructive in making sure that if there is a good idea now for regional Australia, for agriculture, for horticulture, that I'm part of that conversation and part of that solution.

And proudly, one of the first acts I undertook was to go to the government's Jobs and Skills Summit. I felt it important that regional Australia and that agriculture had a voice, had a voice in the decision-making process of the new government, and made sure that we took constructive ideas and proudly, one of the ideas that we conceived was allowing veterans and pensions to work a few more hours every week, without affecting their pay, their pensions.

That's common sense. And the government to their credit, has taken that up. We also believe that in the last Budget, one of the best ways to actually help those on social security payments, through a cost-of-living crisis is to allow all of them to work extra, every week. Instead of the Australian taxpayer putting out $40 a fortnight extra, why not get productivity out of those that are on JobSeeker, allow them to work a couple extra hours a week.

Ag visa commitment

We also have made a commitment as part of any future Coalition government that The Nationals are part of, that the Ag visa will be reinstated. And I made that commitment today. Vietnam signed up to the Ag visa and other ASEAN countries in fact have subsequently offered to also sign up, but that has been rejected by this government.

And one of the points I made at the Jobs and Skills Summit after the NFF and COSBOA, who represent many of the processing sector, identified 172,000 workers required to get food from a paddock to your plate, was that we couldn't rely solely on the PALM scheme. At best, 42,000 workers competing with aged care, childcare, healthcare.

And now the changes announced yesterday by the government are ones that we will also repeal - the restrictions on the PALM scheme will make it even more difficult, even more difficult for the hort sector moving forward, when backpackers, while coming back, are still not coming back to the scale that we need.

Worker restrictions concern

And in fact, in their latest review, we are also concerned that the government has been silent on changes to the working holiday maker, restricting it to just 12 months, which would restrict even further the number of backpackers out there in the horticultural sector.

These are serious concerns about constraints, significant constraints on you and investment decisions that you will make in your businesses about growing and moving forward. And it's important that we have a sensible conversation moving forward about how we do that.

The conversation should be about productivity and protection, increasing our productivity by giving you the tools that you need, which is the human workforce, the human capital to make sure that you can plan and invest and grow your businesses. But the protection being that those that actually go outside their scope of practice and exploit people, then should be penalised.

Balanced protection dialogue

Our focus should be on protection and making sure that our policy settings aren't skewed in a perverse way of trying to protect people that actually strip away productivity, that strip away investment confidence. That's not common sense. And that's the conversation that we'll have.

And I'll also be making sure and the constructive conversation I've already had with the government around competition policy, around some of the reforms that we started in transparency, in making sure that these increased costs that you are bearing, that the supermarkets, one, aren't profiteering from, but two are making sure that you are getting passed back to you equitably and fairly.

Fair pricing commitment

And I've written to the Competition Policy Minister and in fact had conversations about further reforms that we need to take. We're not looking to fix prices, we're just looking for fair prices, transparent prices that I think Australian consumers are prepared to pay. They're prepared to support Australian farmers for their cost of production.

So it's up to us as governments, as policy leaders, to make sure that we give them that framework. So I give you that commitment that we'll continue to work constructively with Andrew Leigh to bring forward any policy changes that he's prepared to continue on that pathway that we were as a government, that The Nationals will support, that we will support sensible competition reforms.

We think that's an equitable way about making sure your hard work is rewarded. We give you that commitment. The other commitment I give you today is the fresh food tax announcement of the Budget will be scrapped.

Equitable import policy

We will not be passing on $153 million of cost to you to pay for the biosecurity costs of your foreign competitors to bring their product to this country. The policies that we were putting in place were around a cost recovery model. In fact, you are paying for any of your exports as it stands at the moment.

There is a cost recovery component for you to export your goods around the world. And we are moving to a full cost recovery model for exporters. But so too, should it be for importers, you should not have to pay for your competitors to bring their product in.

And so that will be also around the container level. In fact, we were about to bring that in in December last year. A container levy and a full cost recovery model, not only for exporters but also for importers and to change tact and to charge Australian farmers is not common sense.

Importer cost responsibility

And so the first announcement that we made post-Budget is that that will be scrapped. That we will impose those costs on importers, not Australian farmers. And I can give you that pledge today that that will be one of the first acts of any future Coalition government.

The last piece that I think we all need to be cognisant of is about providing you the tools, the tools that you require to be able to produce the best food in the world, but to do it more efficiently and do it to a great extent. And that's about water.

It's about making sure you have water security. Sadly, there's been over $7 billion ripped out of water infrastructure spending. That's about growing the agricultural pie. If we want to have an agricultural sector that produces consistently more than $100 billion worth of output every year, then water is the way to do it.

Water infrastructure support

And we need to make sure that state governments have the courage and conviction to dig some holes, to plumb this country and to build the storages that we need to grow capacity. And the money that we put aside will be there to partner stakes, to grow and to build water infrastructure.

That's how Australian agriculture, that's how regional Australia, and that's what horticulture will play one of the most pivotal roles in. Our growth as the agricultural sector well above $100 billion will come from horticulture. And the beauty of that is the intensity of horticulture in its employment and its inputs, mean that the whole economy gets greater benefit from horticulture playing a role in that.

And so that water infrastructure is pivotal to you. It's pivotal to our nation. But so too will be water policy on the Murray Darling. Let me assure you, as a Queenslander in Adelaide, it is a little dangerous to talk about water policy, but I'm proud of the fact that when I was Water Minister, we did have support.

Water project uncertainty

We had all the states, including South Australia, support in achieving the Northern Basin review, the sustainable diversion limits we put through parliament that allows us to use infrastructure to return water to the environment, not by banks. And thirdly, the neutrality test on the extra 450 gigalitres, we even had South Australia sign up to that neutrality test - that was akin to getting peace in the Middle East.

And I'm proud of the fact that we've shown maturity as a nation. But unfortunately, I fear that we will no longer be allowed to continue on with those projects to deliver the 2,750 gigalitres in the plan through the infrastructure programs to deliver water back to the environment.

That's common sense. But unfortunately, that expiry date of June next year, I think will come and it will mean that the government will not allow the states to continue on that pathway to build the infrastructure, to return the water to the environment and then get out of your lives.

Buyback impact concerns

But even more worryingly is the 450 gigalitres extra in addition to the plan that I believe the government will move and has made very public statements about returning that water through buybacks. That will decimate, decimate regional communities. It'll decimate horticulture and agriculture.

And so it's important that as the stewards of our land, of our environment, that you are proud of your achievements in returning already over 2100 gigalitres back to the environment, participating in programs that reduce our carbon footprint and look after our biodiversity.

Stewardship recognition call

In fact, one of my proudest achievements as Agriculture Minister was introducing a biodiversity stewardship program, the first country in the world that could measure improvement in biodiversity and creating a marketplace for it. So we have a proud history, and it's important that policy makers and the broader community understand your stewardship. Because if you don't, then perverse outcomes will be at your doorstep, not just on immigration policy, but also on environmental policy.

So my closing remark is this, be loud. Be proud. You've achieved so much for our nation. Our nation sometimes takes that just simply too much for granted. But it's important that you tell them. You remind them of what you do and how you do it.

Pictures from Gippsland Greenhouse Produce Pty Ltd Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Parma for a Farmer returns to Poowong, bringing free food, laughter, community and mental health support on 17 September 2026
  Parma for a Farmer returns to the Poowong Hotel on September 17, offering local farmers and workers a free meal, comedy, connection and conversations supporting mental health and wellbeing.
• Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are invited to shape regional agricultural priorities, advocacy, support and investment
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are being asked to complete a survey helping three agencies update agricultural priorities, identify emerging challenges and strengthen regional advocacy, support and investment.
• Willow Grove recreation reserve secures $360,000 lighting upgrade to improve safety and support local sport
  Willow Grove Recreation Reserve will receive a $360,000 lighting upgrade by 2028, improving safety, supporting local sporting clubs, expanding female football opportunities and assisting emergency services during critical events.
• Productivity Commission backs Peri Urban Councils' call for infrastructure before housing targets across Victoria
  The Productivity Commission has backed Peri Urban Councils Victoria's call to link housing targets with funded infrastructure, supporting development, coordinated planning and financing for 85,450 new homes across five Victorian growth councils.
• Working together to secure East Gippsland's water future through integrated water management
  East Gippsland CMA and regional partners are collaborating through Integrated Water Management to address climate, flooding, population growth, stormwater, recycled water and wetland protection challenges while planning sustainable projects.
• Darren Chester calls for Aged Care Minister's resignation over home support delays
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's resignation, citing lengthy Support at Home delays, unanswered assistance requests and thousands of deaths while awaiting support.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges election commitments on hospital, roads, transport and infrastructure for growing communities
  Baw Baw Shire Council is urging state and federal leaders to support local priorities, including a new hospital, transport, roads, housing, tourism and infrastructure, ahead of Victoria’s November election.
• Latrobe City Council welcomes enforcement action targeting illegal tobacco and vape trading to improve community safety and support local businesses
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed enforcement action by Tobacco Licensing Victoria and Victoria Police’s Viper Taskforce against illegal tobacco and vape trading, supporting community safety, lawful businesses and safer town centres.
• Melina Bath announces $53.6M boost to patient travel assistance for regional Victorians under Nationals-Liberal government
  Melina Bath says a proposed $53.6 million boost to Victoria’s patient transport assistance would increase accommodation and travel reimbursements, easing healthcare costs for regional patients travelling long distances for specialist treatment.
• Australia Post invests in Morwell parcel facility, boosting Latrobe City jobs, economic diversification and future growth opportunities
  Australia Post has begun construction of a 10,000-square-metre parcel facility in Morwell, consolidating regional operations, supporting local jobs and strengthening Latrobe City’s economic diversification and investment opportunities.
• Darren Chester releases 2026 Age Pension Guide to help older Gippslanders navigate retirement support and services
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has released his 2026 Age Pension Guide, providing older Gippslanders, pensioners, carers and families with information about pensions, concessions, aged care and government services.
• East Gippsland Council adopts 2025–26 Annual Report, highlighting infrastructure investment, community services and financial sustainability
  East Gippsland Shire Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights $30.4 million in capital works, community services and economic development. Despite a $7.7 million operating surplus, Council recorded a $3.1 million underlying deficit.
• Latrobe City urges state election candidates to back economic transformation, infrastructure investment, job creation and community safety priorities
  Latrobe City Council is urging Victorian election candidates to commit funding for economic development, infrastructure, job creation and community safety ahead of Yallourn Power Station 2028 closure.
• Five additional VLocity train sets to boost Gippsland Line capacity and ease crowding as the Nationals commitment
  The Nationals will add five VLocity train sets to Gippsland services, providing 1,110 extra seats and enabling longer trains during peak periods to ease overcrowding on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services.
• Latrobe City recognised among Australia's most affordable regional centres for businesses, investors and skilled workers
  Latrobe City welcomes research ranking Traralgon-Morwell third nationally for affordability, highlighting lower costs, skilled workers, infrastructure and investment opportunities across emerging industries.
• One Gippsland delegation met Darren Chester at Parliament House to discuss key regional infrastructure and investment priorities
  Federal Member Darren Chester met One Gippsland representatives at Parliament House to discuss regional priorities, including roads, housing, healthcare, disaster resilience, industry investment and job creation.
• Labor government boosts Latrobe Valley businesses with funding to strengthen supply chains, expand markets and support future growth
  The Carroll Labor government is funding six Latrobe Valley businesses to upgrade equipment, software and skills, strengthen supply chains and expand markets.
• Wellington Shire Council backs campaign seeking greater rural investment, improved roads, infrastructure funding and regional economic growth
  Wellington Shire Council is backing Rural Councils Victoria’s campaign for greater investment in rural infrastructure, including roads, community facilities and a proposed $1 billion regional productivity and growth fund.
• Regional ambulance response times deteriorate across Eastern Victoria under Labor, Melina Bath demands answers from Carroll government
  Melina Bath has criticised deteriorating ambulance response times across eastern Victoria, saying every local government area is worse than 12 years ago and calling on Labor to restore timely emergency care.
• Gippsland community groups share $60,000 in Federal Volunteer Grants to strengthen local organisations and support volunteers
  Twenty-four Gippsland not-for-profit organisations will share more than $60,000 in federal grants to improve volunteering, reduce barriers to participation and strengthen local communities.
• Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery launches spring season with five exhibitions and live mural creation on 19 September 2026 In Morwell
  Latrobe Regional Gallery will launch its Spring Season on Saturday, September 19, featuring five exhibitions and a live monumental mural by Japanese-Australian artist Twoone/Hiroyasu Tsuri during the Morwell event.
• Latrobe Council urges Premier Carroll to fast-track investment, industry growth and secure future jobs in Valley
  Latrobe City Council has urged newly appointed Premier Ben Carroll to meet urgently on economic diversification, investment and job creation as the region faces energy transition, manufacturing job losses and Yallourn 2028 closure.
• Life Saving Victoria launches Summer Patrol Season, urging Victorians and visitors to follow water safety guidelines and prevent drownings
  Life Saving Victoria has launched its 2026-27 summer patrol season, urging Victorians and visitors to follow water safety guidelines, swim between flagged areas, supervise children and avoid swimming alone to help prevent drownings.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery unveils spring exhibitions celebrating place, culture, community, history and the natural world
  Latrobe Regional Gallery spring program features five exhibitions exploring Gippsland places, community, culture, history and nature, alongside Japanese traditions and contemporary artistic responses.
• Flight test command centre opens, strengthening Latrobe's role in Australia's advanced aviation innovation sector and creating new opportunities
  Latrobe's new Flight Test Range Command Centre has opened at Latrobe Regional Airport, supporting advanced aviation research, drone technology, investment, manufacturing growth and skilled jobs across the region.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  New nurse-to-patient ratios have passed Parliament, with Gippsland hospitals reclassified, but workforce shortages and funding pressures raise concerns over implementation and patient care.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  East Gippsland Shire Council is installing two louvered roofs at Bairnsdale Library, improving shade, weather protection and outdoor activities, with works expected to take two weeks.
• East Gippsland Council advocates National Sovereign Wealth Fund to deliver long-term regional benefits from resource revenues
  East Gippsland Council will advocate for a national Sovereign Wealth Fund funded by resource revenues, supporting long-term regional investment, infrastructure, resilience and intergenerational benefits while reducing reliance on competitive grants.
• Visa delays threaten regional harvest workforce as farmers and tourism employers demand urgent federal government action before summer
  Farmers, tourism operators and regional employers warn visa delays could cause critical workforce shortages during summer harvest and tourism periods, urging the Federal government to restore timely visa processing.
• Gippsland Landcare champions win Victorian awards for environmental conservation, First Nations collaboration and sustainable agriculture achievements
  Two Gippsland Landcare champions have won 2026 Victorian Landcare Awards, with Moogji Aboriginal Council and Kate Mirams and Peter Neaves recognised for environmental stewardship, collaboration and sustainable agriculture.
• Baw Baw Australia Day Awards nominations open, recognising local heroes, organisations and events, voting is until 30 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising outstanding citizens, young people, organisations and community events making contributions locally.
• Labor government criticised over regional childcare shortages, workforce gaps and red tape following parliamentary inquiry findings
  A Victorian parliamentary inquiry found regional childcare providers face severe workforce shortages, vacant places, growing waitlists and excessive red tape, with Melina Bath calling for stronger accountability and practical solutions.
• Matt Canavan warns Australia is sleepwalking towards food crisis as population growth outpaces domestic food production
  Matt Canavan has warned Australia is sleepwalking into a food security crisis, with population growth outpacing food production. He says projected shortages could affect pork, butter, eggs, apples, chicken and rice by 2040.
• State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
  Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection.
• East Gippsland invites nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards celebrating outstanding community contributions and achievements until 6 December 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking nominations for its 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising community contributions across volunteering, sport, arts and culture. Nominations close December 6, 2026.
• Labor announces four new regional early learning centres for 2029, expanding access to kindergarten and long daycare places
  Labor will open four new Early Learning Victoria centres in Alexandra, Drouin, Hamilton and Seymour from 2029, providing more than 400 childcare and kindergarten places across regional Victoria.
• Martin Cameron backs Regional road funding to fix dangerous, neglected Latrobe Valley roads and bridges
  A proposed $288 million Country Roads and Bridges program would give Latrobe City $1.5 million annually for four years to repair and upgrade local roads and bridges.
• International partners visit Gippsland to explore energy diversification and regional development opportunities firsthand together
  One Gippsland hosted European partners for a five-day Gippsland visit, exploring energy diversification, regional development, workforce opportunities, infrastructure, agriculture and collaboration between Australian and European regions.
• Matthew Canavan welcomes Commonwealth Bank branch extension, calls for stronger government action to protect regional banking services
  Nationals leader Matt Canavan welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s decision to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while urging the Government to protect banking access and rebuild services lost elsewhere.
• Katie Noonan brings intimate 'Alone But All One' tour to Cowes for regional Australian audiences on 10 October 2026
  Katie Noonan brings her intimate Alone But All One tour to Cowes’ Berninneit October 10, with interview opportunities September 23 and ticket giveaways available for audiences through Gippsland.com.
• Darren Chester demands guarantee of continued regional prostate cancer nursing care after commonwealth funding cuts in 2027
  Federal Member Darren Chester is urging the Albanese government to guarantee regional men retain specialist prostate cancer nursing care after Commonwealth funding ends in June 2027.
• Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026.
• Moe Inline Hockey Championships secure five-year council funding, expected to boost $15M into local economy through visitor spending
  Latrobe City Council will provide $100,000 over five years to support Moe’s Australian Inline Hockey Club Championships, expected to generate $15 million locally through visitor spending and accommodation.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges community advocacy for major projects ahead of Victorian state election
  Baw Baw Shire Council is urging residents to support advocacy for the Rokeby to Noojee Trail Extension and urgent Warragul-Drouin intersection upgrades ahead of the Victorian state election.
• Darren Chester and Matt Canavan to tour Gippsland industries, meeting local employers and workers across seven regional towns
  Nationals Leader Matt Canavan will tour Gippsland for two days, visiting major energy, forestry, manufacturing and agricultural businesses to discuss regional jobs, investment and industry challenges.
• Maffra Show celebrates agricultural heritage, community spirit and dedicated volunteers across Gippsland’s farming districts
  The Maffra Show celebrated local agriculture, farming heritage and community spirit, with Darren Chester praising volunteers, exhibitors and competitors for preserving regional traditions and supporting local businesses.
• Gippsland secures $288M country roads and bridges commitment under national government
  The Nationals will restore the Country Roads and Bridges Program, providing Victoria's 48 regional councils $1.5 million annually for four years to repair roads, bridges and local infrastructure.
• Flight Test Range Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting Gippsland's drone and aerospace industries and economic diversification
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport will support drone and aerospace innovation, attract investment and create jobs across Gippsland's emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector.
• Melina Bath accuses Labor of failing to curb illicit tobacco crime and escalating violence across regional Victoria
  The Nationals have criticised Labor over ongoing illicit tobacco crime, citing alleged abductions, violence, intimidation and suspected illegal stores, while questioning Victoria’s tobacco licensing scheme effectiveness.
• New Flight Test Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting advanced aviation jobs, investment and innovation
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport has opened, supporting advanced aviation research, attracting investment, strengthening local businesses and creating new jobs across Gippsland.
• East Gippsland Landcare Groups secure funding for environmental projects and community conservation across the region
  East Gippsland Landcare groups received 22 project and 11 support grants under the 2026 Victorian program, funding habitat restoration, weed management, biodiversity, education and volunteer activities.
• Darren Chester welcomes CBA Branch commitment, calls for stronger long-term regional banking protections across Gippsland
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s commitment to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while seeking stronger long-term protections for face-to-face banking services.
• The Liberals pledge $5M for Victorian Living Soils Centre to boost farm productivity and agricultural sustainability
  The Liberal and Nationals have pledged $5 million for a Wimmera-based Living Soils Centre, connecting farmers, universities and industry to improve soil health, agricultural research, farm productivity and environmental sustainability.
• Wellington Shire Council invites community feedback on three strategies guiding local economic growth, arts, culture, leisure and infrastructure through 2037
  Wellington Shire Council is seeking community feedback on three strategies covering economic development, arts, culture, leisure and infrastructure, with consultation open until November 8, 2026, to guide priorities and investment through 2037.
• Wellington and South Gippsland Councils seek community feedback to shape regional energy readiness plan and prepare for future growth until 30 November 2026
  Help shape the future of Wellington and South Gippsland. Share your thoughts in a quick three-question survey and help inform the development of the Energy Readiness Plan for the region.
• Major GRISS upgrade strengthens Gippsland’s premier indoor sports and events venue for future growth
  The upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium was officially opened, delivering modern facilities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening its role as Gippsland's leading venue for community sport and major events.