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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.
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