OPINION – ANNE WEBSTER
This week Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced that Australia had recorded a record GDP growth of 3.4 per cent for the December quarter, which is the equal strongest quarterly growth in 46 years, with the overall growth for 2021 at 4.6 per cent. What this says is that Australia is in a good position and is rebounding from the COVID nightmare we have all been living.
A key contribution to this outcome is the agricultural sector, and of course the substantial role that Mallee producers play. The ABARES agricultural forecast is remarkably bright after two record-breaking years, with the value of agriculture, fisheries and forestry to reach $86.8 billion in 2021-22. It is the first time that our exports are expected to be over $64 billion.
Given the agreed government and industry target is to reach $100 billion by 2030, my expectation is high, despite the challenges the sector faces. It is absolutely a cause to celebrate. It is also an opportunity to reflect on why.
A key ingredient has been the quality of the seasons, which have been pretty good. There are very few farmers who have complained to me about productivity. However, the challenges have been immense, especially regarding the workforce. Despite this overwhelming barrier, farmers have got on with the job and made the best of it, producing the best food and fibre in the world.
How is the government assisting? We have given direct support of $5.5 billion to implement the seven aspects of the Delivering Ag2030 plan. These are: to expand trade opportunities, strengthen biosecurity systems, reward farmers for the stewardship of their land, ensure that we have fair, strong and resilient supply chains, improve the competitiveness and innovative capacity of the industry, deliver the infrastructure our farmers and rural businesses need and invest in our people.
The Federal Government is committed to continuing to grow and build resilience to meet our global challenges. And we will.
