Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

After the pressures of another budget week, I rise to invite every member of the House to unwind at this year's Riverina Field Days. The two-day event is staged at Griffith, in the New South Wales Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area each and every May. Those who know anything about Griffith will know that we are the centre of Australia's food bowl, boasting great wines and culinary delights. But one of the things we're equally proud of is our great hospitality. Indeed, it's so good the Prime Minister has visited us twice in the last year, albeit briefly. Drop in again tomorrow or Saturday, and you will find a showcase of the best farming practices and technologies across a wide range of rural industries.

The event is also a chance for me to remind the Prime Minister and the House just how important agriculture is to our national economy. It is now getting close to grossing $100 billion annually—money that is absolutely vital to Australia's prosperity in good times and bad. As the show organiser, Jason Torresan, noted recently:

Despite the impact of flooding escalating production costs and staff shortages leading to challenging times … It's important to show the strength, vitality and diversity of primary industry.

So we are ready to celebrate this weekend, with 200 exhibitors and 12,000 people. There is the motocross show, the real snake pit and even a chance to make your own handmade spaghetti. Buon appetito! Hope to see you there!