Ag minister Julie Collins under fire for failing to go bush

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins has been in the role for six months this week but many are questioning her engagement level with farmers.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins has come under fire for a perceived failure to adequately engage with farmers during her first six months in the role.

It appears that Ms Collins, who was sworn into the role on July 29 last year, has only visited Victoria and Western Australia once since, and is yet to make it to the Northern Territory.

Ms Collins’ office did not respond to questions about what trips she had made in the past six months but the Tasmanian MP is frequently criticised by the Nationals for failing to front up to WA farmers impacted by the federal government’s recently legislated policy to close down the live sheep export trade by 2028.

WA Farmers president John Hassell said he was only aware of Ms Collins visiting the state once since taking over as agriculture minister from Queensland Senator Murray Watt.

“If they were genuinely serious about not ruining small towns, she has an obligation to come out here more often,” Mr Hassell said.

Australian Live Export Council chief executive Mark Harvey-Sutton said Ms Collins “could do a lot more” given the impact of her government’s policies on the people on the land, “which have been very negative, particularly in WA”.

Newly elected Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking said he was aware of one visit the minister made to Victoria late last year to witness the “green drought” affecting parts of the state’s southwest.

“We have reached out to her and invited her to visit the Birchip Cropping group, and that invitation still stands,” he said.

NSW Farmers is unaware of whether or how many times she has visited the state. Ms Collins has not met with NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin, “but the Minister has committed to doing so”, a spokesperson for the organisation said.

Ms Collins said it has been an honour to represent the nation’s farmers and producers, “and meeting with the people who keep our country running is one of my most treasured parts of my job.”

“Since being appointed … I’ve had the pleasure of being welcomed onto many farms,” she said. “I’ve met with farmers and producers across the country.”

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I’ve visited every state, covering a vast range of produce from fruit and fungi to wool and dairy.”

The Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority records for July to September last year show she did not venture beyond a major city in the three month period.

Northern Territory Cattleman’s Association chief executive Will Evans said Ms Collins had not been able to make it to the territory since she took on the role.

“We enjoyed a strong relationship with Minister Watt and his office during his time in the role. This has not been replicated by the current minister,” Mr Evans said.

“The Territory is one of the fastest growing jurisdictions for pastoral investment and diversification in the country. It would appear to be an obvious destination to visit as a Federal Agricultural Minister. We’re certainly surprised by the lack of engagement to date,” he said.

AgForce chief executive Mike Guerin said the minister attended Queensland’s agricultural show Ekka in August held in Brisbane, where they were able to sit down with her.

“We have been able to engage as we need,” Mr Guerin said.