Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Sterle. It's really nice to get a question about agriculture. I've had questions from Senator Sterle, Senator Ciccone and Senator White—all sorts of senators over here—but I never get a question from the National Party about agriculture. It seems that they've given up.

Due to the Senate's efforts today, Australia is one step closer to reaching net zero by 2050—not just meeting the target but ensuring our economy is geared up to take advantage of the opportunities that will come with it. The safeguard mechanism reforms passed by the Senate today will deliver 205 million tonnes of emissions reduction by 2030. So, after 10 long years—and a couple more days—of delay and dysfunction, Australia now has sensible reforms to ensure Australia's largest emitters reduce their emissions while remaining competitive in a decarbonising global economy. We know Senator Canavan and his mates will never accept reality. We know they'll never open their eyes to what is happening around the world. But the rest of the world is moving on. I'm telling you it's moving on.

That is fantastic news for farmers, along with everyone else in our agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors, because the truth is that, as much of the former Country Party used to recognise, our farmers are on the front line of climate change in this country. Whether it's repeated flooding, more intense fires, more severe cyclones, larger hail or more prolonged drought, the impacts of climate induced disasters are hitting our farms and their bottom line, driving up the price of fruit and veggies for consumers. In fact, we know from ABARES modelling that climate change has reduced annual average farm profits by 23 per cent, or around $29,000 per farm, due to seasonal weather changes over the last 20 years. It is well beyond time for this country to take action.

We're not telling the ag industry something they don't already agree with. Whether it's the National Farmers Federation, Meat & Livestock Australia, Dairy Australia or the Red Meat Advisory Council, they've all moved on, and one of these days the National Party might too. (Time expired)