Melissa Price (Durack, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Science) Share this | Hansard source

Last week at the Perth Royal Show I had the pleasure of attending the Australasian launch of the United Nations International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, to be celebrated throughout 2026. It was wonderful to be there alongside our federal Liberal leader, Sussan Ley; my colleague Rick Wilson, the member for O'Connor; and the WA Liberal leader, Basil Zempilas, to mark such an important occasion for regional Australia. This global initiative recognises the people who live and work across our vast rangelands—those who produce the food and fibre that sustain us, manage biodiversity and care for the fragile ecosystems that cover more than 85 per cent of Western Australia.

For my electorate of Durack, this is deeply personal. Our rangelands are not on the fringe. They are central to our way of life, our economy and our future. Pastoralists across Durack face enormous distances, unpredictable climates and limited infrastructure, yet they persevere through hard work, innovation and commitment to their land. The Perth Royal Show was a perfect setting for this launch, hosted by the inspiring Debbie Dowden, chair of the WA International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. Debbie and her family operate Challa Station in the southern rangelands and are known for their leadership in land restoration and sustainable pastoral management. As we look towards 2026, I hope this international year will shine a light on the remarkable contribution of our pastoralists, our people, and inspire ongoing support for the regions that sustain us all.

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