July 30, 2024
Tasmanian MP Julie Collins was sworn in as the new Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on Monday.
Ms Collins replaces Queensland Senator Murray Watt, who has taken over the portfolio of Employment and Workplace Relations in a Ministerial reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Minister Collins has represented the seat of Franklin since 2007.
Her previous portfolios include Community Services, Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, Status of Women, Housing, Homelessness and Small Business.
She will be retaining this last role, which she has held since June 2022.
“I welcome the great honour to serve as the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in the Albanese Labor Government and thank the Prime Minister for this new challenge,” Minister Collins said on Monday.
“Agriculture plays a vital role in our country, and our national economy continues to rely on a strong and diverse sector.
“As a representative of so many incredible farmers in my own electorate, I am committed to engaging and listening to our rural communities and representing Australia’s farmers.
“I look forward to continuing the good work of my colleague Senator Murray Watt, alongside my role as Minister for Small Business, and congratulate my colleague Senator Anthony Chisholm on his new role as Assistant Minister for Agriculture.”
Nationals Leader and Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said there would not be too many farmers sad to see the departure of Senator Watt.
“During the past two years, Labor’s agenda has increased taxes, cut funding, abolished industries, and failed to stand up for farmers, which is driving up the cost of living for Australian families at the supermarket checkout,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Julie Collins won’t change anything because agriculture is seen as a stepping stone into Cabinet for Labor members and Minister Collins will toe the line.
“(She) has no interest in agriculture and has been punished for her poor performance in housing, so now not only farmers will pay but all Australians will pay through higher prices for their food and fibre from a government uninterested in agriculture.”
