New ag minister: Murray Watt out, Julie Collins back in

Julie Collins has been handed the agriculture portfolio in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s new look cabinet.

Tasmanian and former housing minister Julie Collins is the new federal agriculture minister.

Following a cabinet reshuffle on Sunday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has named Ms Collins as the replacement for outgoing minister Murray Watt, who has been promoted to the employment and workplace relations portfolio.

Ms Collins was Labor’s agriculture spokesperson in the lead-up to the 2021 federal election, but was handed the housing, homelessness and small business portfolio when Labor took office. She will retain her small business portfolio.

In a first for Labor, Ms Collins will be aided by an assistant minister, Queensland Senator Anthony Chisholm.

Mr Chisholm lives in Brisbane and has a history working for the Labor Party, first as the Queensland State Secretary between 2008 and 2014 and then as campaign director for the 2015 state election. He was elected to the federal senate the following year.

Having two hands steering the ship is a timeworn strategy of the Coalition’s, who have traditionally handed the agriculture portfolio to a Nationals member, and the deputy role to a Liberal member with strong ties to the regions.

New federal Minister Julie Collins says looking forward to the challenge her new role will bring. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

On Sunday Ms Collins posted a photo of herself in a paddock saying she welcomed the “new challenge” of serving as the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

“Agriculture plays a vital role in our country, and our national economy continues to rely on a strong and diverse sector,” Ms Collins said.

Like Mr Watt, Ms Collins has been critised for her lack of a connection to the land and farming. However her electorate of Franklin is one of Tasmania’s biggest agricultural regions, the Huon Valley.

National Farmers’ Federation president David Jochinke has welcomed Ms Collins to the role.

“We hope Minister Collins will be a champion for sensible policies to support and grow our farm sector,” Mr Jochinke said.

“The farm sector is central to Australia’s climate and energy plans, as well as our economic prosperity. Most importantly, a thriving farm sector means quality, affordable produce for Aussie families amid cost-of-living pressures.”

Mr Watt’s time will most likely be remembered for its heated conflicted with the sector, Mr Jochinke said, from live sheep, to water buybacks, the biosecurity levy and visa disputes.

“There’s no doubt we’ve seen some 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 for biosecurity,” he said.

Former Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Murray Watt will be known for calling time on live sheep exports by sea, and assisting in the resumption of trade with China. Photo: Glenn Hunt / The Australian

Australia’s forest industries said Ms Collins brought a wealth of knowledge to the role, having held the portfolio in opposition.

“Julie worked closely with industry on the policy and funding plan that has and is still being delivered for the sector. We look forward to working with Julie Collins and Anthony Chisholm to ensure forest industries realise their potential for the economy, climate and communities,” Australian Forest products Association chief executive Diana Hallam said.

Grain Producers Australia chair Barry Large said the new combination of agriculture and small business makes sense, recognising that farmers are running businesses and facing challenges not limited to the seasons and market fluctuations.

“We welcome continued engagement and close collaboration to ensure this support is fair and equitable and pragmatic, and the voice of Australian grain producers is clearly understood and included in decision making and policy development processes,” Mr Large said.

NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin said the Mr Collins’ appointment marks a new chapter for the industry, we’re hopeful of a more practical and commonsense approach – certainly as small business minister she already has an appreciation for some of the challenges we face,” Mr Martin said.

Mr Albanese’s reshuffle was prompted by the retirement of Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney and Skills Minister Brendan O’Connor.