Sid Sidebottom (Braddon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I have to say! Put it on the record: ‘There is no evidence of climate change.’ I ask you! Don’t talk on this report, mate! Don’t talk on this report, because you do not even believe in it. I and some of your colleagues from that side just wasted a few months on nothing? I ask you! Are you the spokesman for anything but nothing? If I may continue, they go on to say:

2. there is a need for more research into the beneficial actions agricultural industries can take, and active extension of this information to farmers.

The member for Farrer quite rightly pointed out that these extension programs should be practised on the ground so people can see them. If we can support that, that is much better for farmers than our acting in a vacuum. They respond very positively. They go on to say:

However, more than just information is necessary. Support for farmers to implement actions and to work together is needed. This needs to include financial incentives, opportunities for building social networks, collaborations, recognition and rewards;

Indeed, rewarding the work of our farmers is very important. They go on:

3. finally, the social value farmers hold and exercise as ‘stewards of the land’ needs to be recognised and encouraged.

Again, I would like to congratulate all my colleagues for spending so much valuable time on this report, Farming the future. I again thank the secretariat for their excellent work. I hope all my colleagues will take the time to look through this, particularly the member opposite, who seriously needs some education in this.

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