NFF welcomes Littleproud, McKenzie & McVeigh to key rural portfolios

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed David Littleproud MP to the role of Minister for Agriculture & Water Resources.
Ms Simson said the Member for Maranoa was an advocate for Australian agriculture and the regional communities that support it.
“A regional Queenslander from a diverse rural electorate, Mr Littleproud is a strong supporter of better digital connectivity for the bush and liberalised trade for our sector.”
Ms Simson recognised the contribution of outgoing Agriculture Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce.
“We have worked collaboratively and productively with Minister Joyce during his time as Agriculture & Water Resources Minister, towards the shared goal of an enhanced operating environment for Australian farmers.
“It has also been highly valuable having agriculture under the auspices of the Deputy Prime Minister.”
“We will continue to work with Minister Joyce in his new portfolio of Infrastructure and Transport
“Projects such as the Inland Rail and the Greater Western Sydney Airport are critical to agriculture.”
Ms Simson said the NFF looked forward to meeting with and briefing Minister Littleproud on the NFF’s policy agenda and it’s roadmap for the future.
“Our sector has a goal of reaching an annual production value of $100 billion by 2030.
“That’s a 67% increase on the 2016-2017 production tally of $60 billion.
“To reach this we need to pursue a national energy policy, the on-time implementation of the Murray Daring Basin Plan; the development of effective workforce settings and the progression of preferential trade agreements.”
Ms Simson congratulated Senator Bridget McKenzie and John McVeigh MP on their elevation to Cabinet with the important portfolios of Regional
Telecommunications, and Regional Development, Territories and Local
Government respectively.
“Vibrant regional communities, digital connectivity and strong telecommunications underpin the farm sector.
“Senator McKenzie and Dr McVeigh MP have an acute interest in, and knowledge of, the challenges in these policy areas and both understand the impact they have on the everyday lives of rural Australians.”
Ms Simson also welcomed Senator Anne Ruston’s continuation as the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources and acknowledged the work of outgoing Infrastructure and Transport Minister Darren Chester.
“Mr Chester has been a good friend of the NFF. Most notably, his leadership delivered significant funding for the Inland Rail project in this year’s Federal Budget,” Ms Simson said.