Ms COLLINS (Franklin—Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) (15:18): by leave—I present a copy of my ministerial statement. Australia's agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors have always been at the heart of the Australian economy. Producing food and fibre for us here at home and for millions of people around the world. The National Farmers Federation has set a goal of Australia's agricultural sector growing its farmgate output to $100 billion by 2030. And I am pleased to inform the House that under the Albanese Labor government, through working hand in hand with the sector, we are closer to that goal than ever before. New data released today by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences, known as ABARES, forecasts that the value of agricultural production will rise to $95 billion this financial year. When you include our fisheries and forestry sectors that figure rises to over $100 billion, forecasted for the first time ever. As I said, this is not a result that is achieved by accident. It is the direct result of a deliberate and focused partnership between a government that is listening to an industry and an industry that consistently delivers. Australia's farmers, fishers and foresters are some of the hardest working, most sustainable and most productive in the world. And since coming to office the Albanese government has backed them every step of the way: we're opening up and diversifying trade opportunities; we're protecting and investing in our world-leading and robust biosecurity systems; we're boosting the agricultural workforce, providing skilled and dedicated staff for farms, processing plants, and forestry operations; we're improving on-farm climate resilience, to equip our producers with the tools, the knowledge, and the support they need to adapt and thrive in the face of a changing climate; and we're supporting the research and development needed to drive Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry into the future. The figure announced today by ABARES represents the culmination of effort from the paddock to the port, from the research lab to the retail shelf, and continued backing for an industry from the Albanese government. From the vast cattle stations of the north to the dairy farms of the south-east, the grain belts of the west, and the orchards, forestry and aquaculture businesses in my own home state of Tasmania, this success belongs to the people who work on our land and in our waters. It is a clear indicator that the government's plan to support and work with this vital sector is delivering real, tangible results for our regions and for the nation, because that's what Labor governments do. The figures released today show that our agricultural exports this year will be the third-highest value on record—$75 billion. When we talk about trade and exports, we're talking about jobs, opportunities, and the prosperity of regional communities. Through the partnerships between our government and agriculture industry, Australia's agricultural trade is now the most diversified it has ever been, with exports reaching 169 markets globally. This diversification is our greatest strength, providing a buffer against global volatility and opening up new avenues for growth. This did not happen by chance. It has happened because we have worked patiently and deliberately to mend and build relationships, restoring a sense of stability and predictability to our international engagement. When we came to government, we inherited $20 billion of trade impediments and stalled access to our largest trading partner. Through a calibrated, respectful, and determined approach, working hand in hand with industry, we've seen those impediments removed, allowing products from our wine, our barley, our red meat, our live rock lobster and our horticulture sectors to once again compete on their merits. Earlier this year, Australian live rock lobster was back on the menu for Lunar New Year celebrations in China. This is great news for our fishers in places like Fremantle, Adelaide and the Limestone Coast, and a powerful symbol of what can be achieved through dialogue. But our focus has been resolutely global. Between July 2022 and June 2025, we've recorded 231 market access achievements. These are not just statistics; they're tangible wins for our farmers. They include opening 29 new markets and making 104 improvements to existing access to cut costs and red tape for our exporters. We've secured new access for Australian honey into Vietnam. We've improved access for table grapes to Japan and even our queen bees into Canada. Each achievement represents countless hours of technical negotiation and diplomatic effort by our public servants, working in lockstep with industry. This is what a government listening to and focused on delivering for farmers and producers looks like, understanding that every new market translates into real dollars for farmers, more secure jobs in our regions, and a stronger national economy. At the heart of a prosperous agriculture sector is also a strong biosecurity system. It protects our farmers, our environment, and our economy from pests and diseases. Our biosecurity system underpins the trust our trading partners have in our products. It is our first line of defence, and it is non-negotiable. A failure in biosecurity could punch a $92 billion hole in our economy and put at risk the very figures that we're acknowledging today. It would threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Australians. That's why we've committed over $2 billion in additional funding to strengthen our biosecurity walls since coming to office. This is a serious investment in our national defence. It is funding dedicated biosecurity officers at our airports and seaports, our world-class scientists in our laboratories, and new technologies at the border to detect threats before they reach our shores. It is about working with our near neighbours to manage risks in the region to ensure we are prepared to respond to any incursion, and it's about working with our farmers, producers, and land holders who know their sector best. While we acknowledge this incredible success, we understand that these national figures do not tell the whole story for every producer. We know that for many, this continues to be an incredibly difficult period. I have seen it firsthand during recent visits to drought-affected regions in South Australia and Victoria. I want to thank all the farmers who invited me onto their land, people like Hamish, Matthew and Jacinta, and Leon in Victoria; and Troy and Nette, and Rob in South Australia. They spoke with candour about the pressures they are under, and their resilience and optimism is truly humbling. Our government is working hand in hand with state governments to ensure farmers get the support they need. We are listening to those on the ground, to ensure help gets to where it's needed most. Support is always available across the drought cycle. This includes practical assistance through the $519 million to the Future Drought Fund, or concessional loans from the Regional Investment Corporation for debt restructuring or on-farm improvements, the ability to draw down on farm management deposits, and access to the farm household allowance for those who are hardest hit. Farmers can also access free and independent financial counselling through the Rural Financial Counselling Service—a vital service we boosted with an additional $2 million over the next two years to boost service capacity in regions impacted by natural disasters, drought and other events that can lead to financial hardship. At the same time, we know it is not just drought causing hardship. We are also working closely with the South Australian government to support those impacted by the devastating algal bloom, providing over $20 million for science, business assistance, and clean-up efforts. Our commitment to ongoing support remains steadfast, no matter the challenge. Supporting our producers through hardship is crucial, but so too is building a more resilient future. Access to finance is critical for this. That is why last Friday, we announced an additional $1 billion in new loan funding through the Regional Investment Corporation, bringing total support through the Regional Investment Corporation to over $5 billion. This commitment provides certainty for farmers beyond 2026. We are also broadening the scope to support climate resilience, productivity, and the transition to net zero, as well as creating a new stream for significant ecological events. Alongside this, we are also providing $519 million to the Future Drought Fund to help communities manage climate risks through practical, locally-led projects. This is in addition to our other investments to support our farmers' climate resilience and sustainability. This includes: the $302 million Climate-Smart Agriculture Program; the $87 million for the Zero Net Emissions CRC; and the $60.8 million to support emissions reductions efforts across the portfolio. Our farmers are world leaders in adapting to climate change and meeting rising market demand for safe and sustainable food and fibre. They are doing all this whilst becoming more productive and contributing to this landmark $100 billion forecast. Building resilience also means securing our food supply for generations to come. That is why we are progressing our commitment to develop the Feeding Australia national food security strategy. Last month, we opened consultation on the discussion paper, which outlines priorities like ensuring resilient supply chains, boosting productivity and innovation, and promoting fair competition. I encourage stakeholders to provide their input before submissions close on 24 September. We are also establishing a new food council to guide this work, comprised of experts from across the food system. Expressions of interest for this council are open until 10 September. This strategy will ensure our farmers can face the future with confidence. This historic $100 billion forecast is a moment to acknowledge the incredible people who make up our agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors. Our farmers and producers are among the best in the world. They're smart, tough, innovative, and deeply resilient. The Albanese Labor government will continue to listen, continue to work with, and continue to back them. We will work with them by opening new markets. We will back them by fortifying the biosecurity shield that protects their livelihoods. And we will continue to listen to them by investing in the resilience they need to face a changing climate and secure our agricultural success for generations to come. Thank you.