Farming leaders are likely to be quietly displeased at news that Julie Collins will return to the Agriculture portfolio as Murray Watt moves to Employment and Workplace Relations in a ministerial reshuffle announced this afternoon.
Minister Watt had earned respect from people in the sector as someone reasonable and who listened to facts and reason over emotional argument, and for his handling of issues at the APVMA in Armidale. They disliked the live sheep decision, however, which was one of the many policies Julie Collins refused to reveal prior to the election.
Collins, who represents the electorate o Franklin in Tasmania, performed poorly in the agriculture portfolio in opposition. Her particularly disastrous performance at the agriculture debate at the National Press Club against David Littleproud led to widespread – and well founded – speculation that she would not have the role after the election.
In a possible acknowledgement that Collins previously struggled in the complex and demanding portfolio, Queensland Senator Anthony Chisholm has been appointed Assistant Minister for Agriculture. She will also not take on the emergency part of Watts role, with that being transferred to Senator Julie McAllister who joins the outer ministry.
NFF President David Jochinke welcomed Minister Collins to the role.
“The agriculture portfolio holds enormous strategic importance.”
“The farm sector is central to Australia’s climate and energy plans, as well as our economic prosperity.”
“Most importantly, a thriving farm sector means quality, affordable produce for Aussie families amid cost-of-living pressures.”
“We hope Minister Collins will be a champion for sensible policies to support and grow our farm sector,” Mr Jochinke said.
Mr Jochinke also welcomed Senator Anthony Chisholm into the role as assistant minister to the agricultural portfolio.
“We look forward to also working with Senator Chisholm and having that additional horsepower of an assistant minister in the portfolio.”
Mr Jochinke acknowledged the tenure of outgoing minister, Murray Watt.
“Minister Watt’s time will most likely be remembered for its heated conflicts with the sector – from live sheep, to water buybacks, to the biosecurity tax proposal and visa disputes.”
“There’s no doubt we’ve seen some policies that have deeply impacted and enraged our sector.”
“But we also acknowledge his partnership and willingness to work with the sector on sustainability, establishing the workplace tripartite working group, and delivery of enhanced funding for biosecurity.
“His commitment to normalising our trade with China, and ensuring Australian agriculture didn’t end up with a bad deal in the EU free trade agreement, will also be remembered well,” he said.
The reshuffle was spurred by the retirement of cabinet ministers Linda Burney and Brendan O’Connor, who won’t recontest the next election, while assistant minister Carol Brown also stepped back from the role due to health reasons.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil and Immigration Minister Andrew Giles have been dumped from their portfolios in the reshuffle.
Ms O’Neil has been moved to housing and homelessness, but remains in cabinet.
Mr Giles has moved to skills and training in the outer ministry.
The two sackings follow a political headache for the government over the handling of a High Court ruling that released more than 150 former detainees.
The opposition has been calling for heads to roll over the handling of the saga, arguing more should have been done to keep the detainees locked up despite the highest court ruling indefinite detention was illegal.
Indigenous senator Malarndirri McCarthy has been promoted to cabinet and will take over the Indigenous Australians portfolio while
Tony Burke will depart employment and workplace relations take up home affairs and immigration, with the latter being elevated into cabinet from the outer ministry.
A delicate factional balance needs to be maintained under internal Labor processes, with all retirements from the Left. The new-look ministry will be sworn in on Monday.
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