Ag groups welcomes Bridget McKenzie, new Minister for Agriculture

Vivien Lin

The appointment of Nationals Deputy Leader Bridget McKenzie to the position of Minister for Agriculture in the new Morrison government has been widely welcomed by various agricultural industry groups.

The first female to hold the agriculture portfolio in the Commonwealth’s history, Minister McKenzie’s appointment has been welcomed by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) , Farmers for Climate Action (FCA) and the Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC) , among others.

“Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles in our industry,” says NFF President Fiona Simson, the first female President of the organisation. “The significance of having a female in agriculture’s top job can’t be overstated.”

Industry bodies have acknowledged Minister McKenzie’s experience with and knowledge of the agriculture industry, which she aims to help grow into a $100 billion sector.

“Minister McKenzie has long been a passionate advocate for our food producers, Australia’s regions, public health, active living and nutrition; and her professionalism and competency in dealing with our industry and our issues is warmly welcomed,” says Don Mackay, Independent Chair of RMAC.

“Senator McKenzie has an in-depth understanding of the challenges, and also the phenomenal opportunities, before our regions and the policies and investments agriculture needs to reach its potential,” Ms Simson says.

The industry has also thanked outgoing Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud who held the portfolio for 16 months.

“Under Minister Littleproud’s leadership, bipartisan support for the Murray Darling Basin Plan prevailed, $1 per litre milk came to an end and significant improvements were made to the regulations governing the export of live sheep to the Middle East,” says Ms Simson.

Minister Littleproud will retain the Water Resources portfolio and has assumed new responsibility for Rural Finance, Natural Disaster and Emergency Management.

“We are pleased his service to Australia’s regions will continue with his new portfolios,” says Mr Mackay.

The new Cabinet will be sworn in on Wednesday in Canberra.



NEWS
November 6, 2025
Queensland-based Earthlife has spent nearly three decades helping farmers and gardeners unlock healthier soils. Their natural microbial–mineral blends support sustainable practices, improve yields, and build resilience against droughts, pests, and climate extremes.
November 6, 2025
With a family legacy of more than 100 years of growing sugarcane to draw on, fourth-generation producer Ben Nielson of JNL Farming Company Pty Ltd, in Far North Queensland’s Burdekin knows what it takes to get the best out of his crop.
By October 2025 November 6, 2025
2025 marks 50 years since TR70 model launched in 1975. Since this time, New Holland has led industry innovation in combine technology with: The first self-leveling cleaning system on a rotary combine in 2002 Breaking the 8-hour wheat harvest world record in 2014 The latest CR10 and CR11 twin rotor combines entering production in 2025
October 17, 2025
High-precision GNSS was too costly and complex but RTK GNSS innovations have made centimetre accuracy sustainable in Ag-Tech.
By David Day October 7, 2025
Created by a Queensland couple, Farmshare Agistment is a new Aussie-made website making it easier than ever for horse and cattle owners nationwide to find agistment.
September 18, 2025
Merlo Australia empowers modern agriculture with versatile telehandlers that boost efficiency, cut costs, and deliver long-term value, helping farmers streamline workflows and adapt to industry demands. 
Show More