John Cobb (Calare, National Party, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food Security) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to express my disappointment for the agricultural industry in the budget. Not only has the government delivered nothing for the industry; it has also failed to alleviate the crippling shortage of skilled workers. With the worst drought in the nation's history at an end, our agricultural industry is gradually returning to full production. In order to achieve this, the industry desperately needs skilled workers. The mining boom has been tremendous for the Australian economy but disastrous for Australian agricultural employment. The agricultural sector produces fine, hardworking employees who are very attractive to the mining sector and are drawn by generous salaries.

Under Labor's budget commitment, $280 million has been provided to boost apprenticeships, but to be eligible an apprentice must be undertaking a trade that appears on the National Skills Needs List. Agriculture and horticulture, as part of that, are not included on that list. Agriculture will not be able to return to its prime position as an economic powerhouse of the nation without new generations of skilled tradespeople. The government has no clue when it comes to agriculture; it needs to listen to the industry and include agriculture in its apprenticeship and training program.