Melissa Price (Durack, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to note the incredible contribution agriculture is making to the economy across the nation and in my large electorate of Durack. We have recently seen the updated national accounts—and what a welcome set of numbers they were. The better days that we were elected to deliver are emerging. Under this government the potential of our regions is being unleashed. Agriculture contributed over $50 billion in exports through the period 2016-17. Just under 14 per cent of our total goods and services are exported. This is up from some $41 billion five years ago. This makes agriculture the fastest-growing economic sector in the nation.

This agricultural growth is occurring not only in the traditional sectors of grains and cattle but also in new sectors such as nuts, wine and citrus. One fabulous example of this is Moora Citrus, some 200 kilometres north of Perth, in my electorate. Established nine years ago, Moora Citrus is a booming local business supplying both local and export markets with the best oranges you will ever eat and providing jobs for the community.

Please spare a thought for parts of my electorate, especially those through the north-eastern Wheatbelt region, who may be experiencing a poor growing season. I sincerely hope this late rain will help them recover from a potentially disastrous yield to perhaps a just-below-average yield.