Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027

Ms SWANSON (Paterson) (12:51): With a world in flux, there has never been a time of more critical importance when it comes to food and fertiliser security for every Australian family, regional community, farmer, producer and food manufacturer across our country. We know we have the best farmers in the world. Food and fertiliser security is an issue I have worked on extensively as Chair of the House Standing Committee on Agriculture and now as Chair of the Primary Industries Committee.

The parliamentary work and the inquiry that we did led to a landmark report on food security. It was a prescient report. That inquiry brought together farmers, producers, transport operators, retailers, food charities, academics and industry leaders from right across Australia.

We heard a clear message: Australia has a strong food system, but we cannot take it for granted. The committee found that food security is about much more than what happens at the checkout. It relies on a resilient supply chain, access to essential inputs, strong biosecurity, protective farmland practices and a skilled workforce.

Most importantly, it means ensuring all Australians have access to safe, nutritious and affordable food, and that is the work of a government. That work highlighted the growing challenges though from climate impacts and natural disasters to workforce challenges, supply chain disruptions and increasing geopolitical uncertainty. That is why I'm so proud that the Albanese Labor government—under Julie Collins, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry—committed to developing Feeding Australia: A National Food Security Strategy.

This strategy builds on the work of the parliament and reflects the recommendations and evidence gathered through the inquiry. More than 400 individuals and organisations have contributed to the process so far, a national food council has been established, and co-design sessions have been held right across the country. This is progress on food security.

Our farmers, fishers, processors and transport operators produce world-class food and fibre that feeds Australians and, importantly, millions around the globe. Farm gate production is forecast to exceed $100 billion this financial year. That's four years ahead of the target set out by the National Farmers' Federation.

Strong export opportunities are helping drive this growth, but we cannot afford to be complacent. Food security requires planning, coordination and long-term vision. It requires government to work alongside industry, communities and producers to strengthen the systems we all rely upon, and that's exactly what this government is doing.

At the same time, we know our ag sector is facing immediate challenges. The conflict in the Middle East has created uncertainty for farmers, fishers, freight operators and regional communities right across Australia, particularly across access to fuel and fertiliser, and our government is acting swiftly on this. From day one, we've worked closely with industry to monitor impacts and keep Australia's food, fibre and fuel moving.

We have announced that we'll underwrite the purchase of fuel and fertiliser by the private sector, giving suppliers confidence to secure additional supply and meet demand, including for regional and independent fuel suppliers. We've released fuel stockholdings to ease regional supply pressures, temporarily amended the fuel quality standard to unlock additional supply and worked with regional partners to identify alternative sources of key agricultural imports.

Importantly, support through Export Finance Australia has facilitated six cargoes, carrying more than 209,000 tonnes of additional agricultural-grade urea into Australia, with more expected. This is important. The fertiliser working group continues to meet regularly with industry representatives to monitor supply, access demand and identify practical solutions.

We're working closely with Fertilizer Australia, the National Farmers' Federation and suppliers to ensure Australian farmers have access to the fertiliser inputs they need because when farmers have certainty, regional communities have certainty. The Albanese Labor government is committed to a strong, sustainable and profitable agricultural sector, and, since coming to government, we have strengthened biosecurity, we have boosted the workforce, we've opened new trade opportunities, and we've invested in the long-term sustainability of Australian farming.