Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Regional Development) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yesterday morning, Minister Collins and I joined the National Farmers Federation President, Hamish McIntyre, to celebrate Australia's agricultural production value. It's set to reach a record $100 billion this financial year. It's an incredible milestone which means we'll meet and exceed the NFF'S ambitious 2030 target by four years. I acknowledge the NFF for their continued advocacy, and for their ambition, which has helped drive this success.

The forecast released by ABARES shows that agricultural, fisheries and forestry exports will reach a record high of $85 billion this financial year, with more demand than ever for Australia's premium food and fibre. Since we came to office, Australia's agricultural production value has increased by 15 per cent. This reaffirms the work of the Albanese government to diversify trade opportunities for our farmers, support more regional jobs and strengthen local economies. The Albanese government knows that, when our regions and rural communities are thriving, Australia prospers.

One of the great drivers of success in our ag sector is a workforce that is skilled and supported. Through the expanded PALM scheme, there are now more than 17,000 workers contributing to our agriculture sector, and more than 10,000 in meat processing. The scheme is delivering for employers and is ensuring protections for workers and meaningful opportunities for our Pacific partners. It is important. I thank the unions for the work that they have been doing in that space.

At the same time, we're investing in homegrown skills through fee-free TAFE, which has now supported tens of thousands of enrolments in agriculture related courses. Continued success hinges on the strength of our workforce, and we want to back our farmers and producers so that they know the Albanese government has their back. Above all, this achievement belongs to Australian farmers and to regional and rural communities. We remain as committed as ever to growing our agriculture sector and to giving our farming community every opportunity to succeed.