Cathy McGowan (Indi, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It gives me enormous pleasure to welcome into this House today members of the national organisation Australian Women in Agriculture. I particularly would like to acknowledge President Liz Brennan, Aileen Tracy, Val Hannah and members from my electorate of Indi Ann Jarvis, Carolyn Hill, Elaine Paton and Alana Johnson. This delegation of Women in Agriculture is in parliament today to talk specifically about issues.

They are looking to the government and to the opposition to make sure that we do not miss out on opportunities to have women's voices heard. They want to talk about an inland fast rail route. They want to talk about telecommunications, particularly access to broadband and the role impact that the government is transferring of services to internet is having particularly in rural communities where we do not have broadband. They also want to talk about the impact of changes to the working visas and students who are coming and working as WWOOF—willing workers on organic farms.

Australian Women in Agriculture, we know that you do fantastic work. You inform, you influence, you innovate, you invest and you constantly remain inclusive. We know that you have enormous influence. Over 280,000 people, and up to 657,000 people, are influenced and touched by your work. Welcome to Parliament House. I wish you well and look forward to working with you on the many important initiatives you are advocating.