Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

The Leader of the Palmer United Party in this place is absolutely right when he describes farmers as the lifeblood of Australia and our economy. Without farmers we would not have the foods that we rely on and basically take for granted each and every day. That is why I would call on the Leader of the Opposition to stop demeaning agricultural workers and demeaning people who harvest potatoes, pick apples and pick the fruit that provide the meals that we as Australians rely on each and every day.

The assertion has been made by the Leader of the Palmer United Party in this place that we are somehow undermining the agricultural sector. Can I say we deep respect to him that I reject that assertion? I reject that assertion absolutely. Indeed, the farmers of this country have a great champion in the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Joyce. Can I also indicate to the leader that the free trade agreements, so ably negotiated by Minister Robb with South Korea and with Japan, have provided a real boost for the agricultural sector, be it dairy, be it beef, be it sheep or be it horticulture—huge, huge gains. If we are in the marketplace of seeking to get free trade with other countries then we as a nation can build on one of our great strengths, and that of course is the agricultural sector.

In relation to imports of ginger from Fiji: I was not able to find any parliamentary brief in the folder in relation to that and I will take that part of the question on notice. But can I assure him that we as a government are committed to the agricultural sector. (Time expired)