Andrew Gee (Calare, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the agriculture minister. Our prime agricultural land is disappearing before our eyes, threatening Australia's food security. All over Australia we are seeing residential, industrial and renewable developments on our finest farming country. Our prime agricultural land needs to be preserved for agriculture. Will you support my Protecting Australia's Prime Agricultural Land Bill, and will you come to the Calare electorate and meet with our local farmers?

Julie Collins (Franklin, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Calare for that question. Our agricultural land in Australia is incredibly important. We as a government believe it is important. Protecting agricultural land and ensuring food security is top of our agenda in terms of making sure that Australians get access to the food that they need.

These are critical priorities for Australia's future prosperity. As the member would know, in terms of land use, these are primarily a responsibility for the states. The states and territories regulate land use across the country. His proposed bill seeks to override the states, raising significant property rights and constitutional concerns. Such implications require careful consideration to avoid unintended consequences for landholders and governments.

As the member would know, we are in a fortunate position where we can feed Australia more than 2½ times over in terms of our food production. We can produce almost all of the food that we need in Australia, but we understand food security is important. That is why we have launched a food security strategy. Just last week I announced the members of the Food Council that will advise the government on our food security going forward and develop that food security strategy for the nation.