Minns government to introduce legislation enshrining independent Agriculture Commissioner’s office
The NSW Labor government will introduce legislation to fulfil an election promise to the state’s farmers as they battle “threats on all fronts” to their lands.
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The NSW Labor government will introduce legislation to parliament next month to enshrine an independent Agriculture Commissioner’s office into law, fulfilling an election promise to the state’s farmers as they battle “threats on all fronts” to their lands.
The new statutory office would provide expert advice on issues relating to agricultural productivity, land use and food security upon request from the agriculture minister, including by conducting reviews and making recommendations.
The independent Commissioner, who will be appointed once the legislation passes parliament, would also be expected to promote a ‘co-ordinated and collaborative approach across all tiers of government’ and engage experts and other stakeholders in the sector.
Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty, who will front Budget estimates in parliament on Tuesday, said the legislation is an “important milestone” in supporting regional communities following floods, fires, drought and biosecurity threats over the past decade.
“Farmers are the lifeblood of New South Wales, from the food we eat, to the clothes we wear, and it is important there is an independent advocate advising Government on how we can product and enhance farmers’ productivity,” she said.
“The advice of the Commissioner to me will be used to inform evidence-based decisions on policy and programs that can best promote our agricultural sector.”
NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin said the establishment of the independent statutory office comes at a “critical time”, with the farmers’ association to advocate for “more strategic land use” for the future.
“Over the last 30 years, Australia has lost more than 15 per cent of its productive farmland,” Mr Martin said.
“As demand for more housing, more wind installations, more solar panels and more industrial space increases, farmers have faced the prospect of their most productive agricultural land being taken away.
“Without the land and water they need to grow food, farmers will be forced out of business – and as a result, putting food on the table will get a lot harder, and more expensive, for the average Australian family.
“The appointment of an independent Agriculture Commissioner for NSW is the very first step towards a fairer future for our farmers, as they battle threats to their right to farm on all fronts.”
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Originally published as Minns government to introduce legislation enshrining independent Agriculture Commissioner’s office
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