Australian farmers and small-business owners do not need slogans. They need practical support, reliable water, strong biosecurity, skilled workers, access to markets and help when the seasons turn against them. That is what the Albanese Labor government is delivering. Farming is a way of life and an economic backbone of regional communities in my electorate of Braddon. When farmers in my electorate succeed, contractors, transport operators, manufacturers, retailers and hospitality businesses succeed too.

We are making practical investments to support farmers—for example, in water security. In my neck of the woods, north-west Tasmania, the government is contributing more than $62 million to expand the Sassafras Wesley Vale irrigation scheme. It will provide up to an additional 9.2 gigalitres of water across communities, from Sassafras to East Devonport, supporting high-value crops, value adding and really important regional jobs. We are building resilience before the drought hits. Yes, we do get droughts in Tasmania, in case anyone was wondering. The Future Drought Fund provides $519.1 million over eight years for climate resilience projects. It has supported Tasmania's Farming Forecaster, helping producers make better decisions about feed and seasonal conditions. Since July 2022, the government has invested more than $1.3 billion in rural support and drought resilience.

Backing farmers also means protecting what they produce. We have provided more than $2 billion in additional biosecurity resourcing, strengthening surveillance and responses to threats, including the H5 bird flu. Government investment in the bird flu response now exceeds $270 million. This protects livestock, crops, native wildlife, regional jobs and Australia's clean, safe reputation. We are helping producers manage global disruption.

More than one million tonnes of imported urea was cleared through strict but streamlined biosecurity processes from February to June, helping maintain supplies of this vital fertiliser. Farmers facing hardship can access an additional $1 billion in concessional finance through the Regional Investment Corporation and rural financial counselling. We have also made the $20,000 instant asset write-off permanent, giving agriculture related small businesses greater certainty to invest.

We're also standing up for farmers in the supermarket supply chain. The mandatory food and grocery code requires major supermarkets and wholesalers to deal with suppliers lawfully and in good faith. It provides stronger protection against retribution, better dispute resolution and anonymous reporting to the ACCC. Serious breaches can attract penalties of at least $10 million. For Tasmanian fruit, vegetable, dairy and fresh food suppliers, that means a stronger voice and a fairer deal.

Under the leadership of trade minister Don Farrell, we are opening more doors to global markets. Since mid-2022, Australia's two-way trade has grown by $301.7 billion, reaching a record $1.37 trillion in 2025-26. Tasmania exported $4.6 billion in goods in 2025, including $95.5 million to the European Union. The Australian-EU free trade agreement will remove or lock in duty-free access for most Tasmanian goods, including seafood, dairy, wood products, vegetables and cherries. Tariffs will be removed on salmon, cherries and cheese, while beef and sheepmeat producers gain preferential access—practical gains for Tasmanian producers, processors and small businesses.

These policies are helping agriculture remain strong. Nearly 10,000 Tasmanians have enrolled in free TAFE, including more than 1,400 in agriculture and more than 900 in construction, helping regional employers find the work they need. No government can control the weather or every global shock, but a responsible government stands beside producers and plans for the future. From Tasmanian irrigation to stronger biosecurity, drought preparation, skills and export opportunities, the Albanese Labor government is delivering practical support to keep farming and regional communities strong.