James Paterson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. How is the Albanese government ensuring that Australian farmers and producers will continue to be able to feed Australians when the sector is ringing alarm bells of a looming fertiliser shortage?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I spoke earlier in this question time about the action we are taking in relation to the Middle East crisis. You are correct that fertiliser is one of the supply chains that is affected. It is not the only one, obviously. What I can say to you is that Minister Collins has been engaging closely on this. We understand the importance of ensuring farmers continue to produce our food and fibre, and that freight and supply chains remain critical.

I'm advised that Australia utilises lower levels of fertiliser than other comparable countries, so we are already efficient users. Much of the input products for the—

Matt O'Sullivan (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Choice in Childcare and Early Learning) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

That's the resources sector.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm just giving you the advice I've been provided with. If you don't like it, I'm happy to pass it on. Much of the input products for the upcoming planting season, including the majority of fertiliser required, are already on the water or in the country. Obviously, if the conflict does continue, this supply chain, along with others, will come under more pressure. The government will continue to work, including with industry, on seeking to ensure our resilience in such a circumstance.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Paterson, first supplementary?

James Paterson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, as fertiliser shortages loom in Australia and the sector is warning us there may be no domestic production, what plan does the Albanese government have to urgently secure urea for our growers and farmers?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This is one of the issues that was the subject of discussion in more than one of my engagements. This is one of the areas that, globally, is under pressure. I think some 65 per cent of fertiliser-grade urea is sourced from the Middle East, and we are currently seeing price volatility, as would be expected. Government will keep working to secure supplies. We recognise this is a global challenge that we are working together to meet.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Paterson, second supplementary?

James Paterson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

How will the Albanese government intervene to secure urea to ensure there is no threat to meat and crop production, as farmers are told fertiliser orders are unlikely to be delivered because of the Middle East conflict?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I understand that the National Farmers' Federation and fertiliser industry representatives—

Hon. Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Interjections across the chamber are disorderly. If you want to have a conversation, go outside. Minister Wong, please continue.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I understand the National Farmers' Federation and fertiliser industry representatives were part of the meeting earlier this month that Minister Ayres has spoken about. We will continue to engage with the industry. One of the priorities in the near term, although not immediate, will be to seek to restart domestic urea production. Senator Ayres is engaged on that issue, particularly in relation to the Western Australian facility.

I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.