STRENGTHENING critical input supply chains, securing and sustaining market access growth and overhauling Australia’s freight and logistics system will be key priorities for GrainGrowers when working with the newly elected government.
GrainGrowers chair and Quambatook farmer Brett Hosking said the organisation welcomed key cabinet appointments, with Murray Watt to be at the forefront of Australia’s agricultural industry following his appointment as Federal Agriculture Minister.
“We are excited to work with Minister Watt on behalf of our growers across Australia,” Mr Hosking said.
“There are incredible opportunities for the Australian economy, regional communities, and our environment through the work of our growers and we are looking forward to discussing these in more detail with Minister Watt over the coming weeks.”
With two bumper harvests and a positive seasonal forecast, Mr Hosking said GrainGrowers would be working closely with government and industry on grower priorities that benefited the national economy, consumers and the community.
Mr Hosking said GrainGrowers also looked forward to working with Don Farrell who was appointed Minister for Trade and Tourism.
“As an export-focused industry, trade and market access is of critical importance,” Mr Hosking said.
“We look forward to working with Minister Farrell and his team as we continue to share the positive news of Australia’s nutritious and clean grains.”
Mr Hosking said given the current global environment, it was a critical time for Australia’s grain industry to have the opportunity to thrive within a clear and supportive policy environment.
He said priorities included strengthening supply chains, ensuring market access growth, overhauling Australia’s freight and logistics system, resetting Australia’s biosecurity system, providing climate adaptation tools and providing a stable business environment.
Mr Hosking also welcomed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent visit to Indonesia, which is Australia’s largest wheat market, accounting for 19 per cent of Australian wheat exports.
“Mr Albanese’s visit to Indonesia is a demonstration of the importance of our bilateral relationship,” Mr Hosking said, noting the realisation of mutual opportunities within the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which included feed grain markets.
“There are some opportunities within IA-CEPA that are yet to be realised and we are hopeful that with the Prime Minister’s recent visit, the important relationship between our two countries will be strengthened and these will come into effect.” Mr Hosking, said.
