Horticulture Sector Welcomes New National Minister from Tasmania

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Horticulture Council has warmly welcomed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s appointment of the Hon. Julie Collins MP as the new Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and Minister for Small Business.

Council Chair Jolyon Burnett expressed optimism about having a minister from a state where primary industries play a crucial role in the local economy, anticipating that this background would make Minister Collins particularly attuned to the sector’s needs.

“We are glad to have Minister Collins taking on this hugely important portfolio,” Mr. Burnett said.

He highlighted Minister Collins’ relevant experience and connection to horticulture, given her Tasmanian roots.

“She obviously has the beneft of having been the shadow minister in Opposition but also an inevitable affnity for horticulture, being a product herself of the Apple Isle. Beyond apples, Tasmania is an important producer of many other horticultural crops, including cherries, berries, potatoes, and vegetables.”

Mr. Burnett noted the historical precedence of Tasmanian Labor politicians in the portfolio, citing Lance Barnard and Ken Wriedt from the Whitlam Government. “Given the close association between the state and primary production, it is no surprise Julie is preceded by two other eminent Tasmanian Labor politicians in the portfolio.”

The Council also welcomed Minister Collins’ simultaneous responsibility for the small business portfolio, emphasizing the importance of this dual role. “We have some 12,000 horticultural businesses across the country, the vast majority of which are hardworking family businesses. The set of challenges facing the horticulture sector are emblematic of small businesses everywhere, including rapidly increasing costs of production, driven by infation but also decisions of government, and vulnerability to unbalanced trading relationships.”

Mr. Burnett emphasized the Council’s commitment to working closely with Minister Collins to ensure the horticulture industry remains proftable and sustainable. “We look forward to working