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

As I understand it, the region from which Senator McKenzie comes—namely, the Hume region in north-eastern Victoria—is a region that excels in the production of a wide variety of agricultural produce. We have seen some standout sectoral performances: beef and veal up 28.6 per cent, sheep meat up 42 per cent, dairy up 22 per cent, horticulture up 28 per cent. We are seeing exceptionally good figures in agriculture Australia wide. Of course, it stands to reason that, therefore, the home area of Senator McKenzie is also a beneficiary. Why this upturn? Because there is new confidence. There is an understanding that this is a government that will remove the carbon taxes, that will engage in free trade agreements, that will seek to grow the agricultural sector— (Time expired)