Statement on new Coalition Agreement

The agreement announced between Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss, demonstrates a welcome focus on the needs of rural, regional and remote Australia.
While the text of the agreement has not been made public, the National Farmers’ Federation understands key promises have been made, including:
– ongoing funding for the mobile blackspots programme;
– movement of water into the agriculture portfolio;
– favourable consideration of the effects test; and,
– an ongoing commitment to the inland rail project.
Obviously the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. We will be watching closely to ensure delivery, but at first glance The Nationals appear to have secured some important wins for rural Australia.
In particular, the decision to co-locate the water and agriculture portfolios under new ministerial arrangements will ensure water policy meshes with the government’s strategy to grow Australian agriculture.
We see this as a positive indication that the Turnbull Government understands the importance of governing for all Australians, not just those in major centres.
– Statement by National Farmers’ Federation CEO, Simon Talbot