Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell has been appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Agriculture in the new Shadow Ministry.
This is a big responsibility at an important time for agriculture, with the sector continuing to underpin Australia’s economy and future.
Mr Birrell thanked Nationals Leader Matt Canavan and said it was an honour to serve in the role at an important time for one of Australia’s most important sectors.
Mr Birrell also retains the role of Assistant Shadow Minister for Regional Education.
An agronomist who graduated from the University of Melbourne University’s Dookie College campus, Mr Birrell spent years working with farmers on crop production, soil health, pest management and irrigation. He later worked for world-leading irrigation company Netafim, carrying that expertise to farms across Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
“Australian agriculture continues to demonstrate enormous resilience and strength, producing the food and fibre the nation relies on and contributing significantly to the health of the national economy,” Mr Birrell said.
“I have always championed agriculture and the upstream and downstream jobs it supports, particularly in food processing, transport and distribution,” Mr Birrell said.
“What is produced in our regions underpins our food security and our economy,” Mr Birrell said.
Mr Birrell said while the sector is performing strongly, farmers are facing increasing pressure from policy decisions, rising input costs and supply chain uncertainty.
“Australian farmers are among the most efficient and innovative in the world, and they continue to deliver despite the challenges confronting them,” he said.
Mr Birrell said the focus must be on removing the roadblocks that are holding agriculture back and limiting food production.
“If we want agriculture to keep growing, we need to be clear about what is getting in the way,” he said.
“In irrigation regions like the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District, access to affordable water has become a major roadblock.”
“Fuel and fertiliser are also critical to production,” he said.
“These challenges directly affect what farmers can produce and how they plan for the season ahead.”
Mr Birrell said strengthening agriculture will require a focus on productivity, innovation and education, including maintaining Australia’s strong biosecurity system.
“We need to keep improving efficiency, adopting new technology and supporting the next generation into agriculture,” he said.
Mr Birrell will work closely with Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Deputy Leader of The Nationals, Darren Chester MP, Member for Gippsland.
“I’m delighted to be working alongside Darren Chester as shadow agriculture minister. Darren brings enormous experience and an absolute commitment to standing up for Australian farmers, fishers and forestry workers – and together we’ll be a formidable team for our agricultural sector.”
Pictured: Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell has been appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.