Farmers want reset after fight over biosecurity, water buybacks and live sheep exports
It’s been almost a year since farmers declared war on the Albanese government. Could the ministerial reshuffle be an opportunity to reset relations?
Livestock exporters want incoming agriculture minister Julie Collins to rebuild relations with farmers and take a fresh look at the Albanese government’s plan to phase out the live sheep trade in 2028.
The departure of Murray Watt, who will become Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, comes less than a month after furious sheep producers in Western Australia announced they were amassing a war chest to campaign against Labor at the federal election.
While Senator Watt received thanks from various industry groups after the cabinet shake-up was revealed, the reshuffle comes amid hostilities between the government and the agriculture sector, which last year declared war against Labor, saying Anthony Albanese was pursuing “a niche ideological agenda” ahead of farmer interests.
Representing the Tasmanian seat of Franklin since 2007, Ms Collins, who will continue in her role as Small Business Minister, said her new appointment was a great honour and praised Senator Watt’s contribution and the government’s work since the 2022 election.
“Agriculture plays a vital role in our country, and our national economy continues to rely on a strong and diverse sector,” Ms Collins said.
“As a representative of so many incredible farmers in my own electorate, I am committed to engaging and listening to our rural communities and representing Australia’s farmers in the Albanese Labor government.”
Several farming industry groups said the ministerial change-up provided an opportunity for a fresh start.
“The last minister’s shameful ban of live WA sheep exports will leave a difficult legacy for the new minister, as the entire agriculture sector is united in fighting against this unjust ban,” Australian Livestock Exporters Council chief executive officer Mark Harvey-Sutton said.
“While we are hopeful they will surprise us with their support for the sector, we are sceptical that anything will change and we will continue to have a government that, from the top down, is actively working against us. We will commit to coming to the table with an open mind. We hope the new minister can as well, otherwise WA farmers can expect more of the same.”
The Alliance for Animals praised Senator Watt’s “successful tenure”, saying it would leave a lasting legacy for animal welfare.
Senator Anthony Chisholm, who like Senator Watt represents Queensland, has been appointed Assistant Minister for Agriculture.
National Farmers’ Federation president David Jochinke welcomed the “additional horsepower” of an assistant minister and called on the government to reset its relationship with farmers. “We hope Minister Collins will be a champion for sensible policies to support and grow our farm sector,” Mr Jochinke said.
“Minister Watt’s time will most likely be remembered for its heated conflicts with the sector – from live sheep, to water buybacks, to the biosecurity tax proposal and visa disputes. There’s no doubt we’ve seen policies that have deeply impacted and enraged our sector.
“But we also acknowledge his partnership and willingness to work with the sector on sustainability, establishing the workplace tripartite working group, and delivery of enhanced funding,” he said.
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