Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027
Ms URQUHART (Braddon) (13:21): In the great state of Tasmania and more specifically in the mighty electorate of Braddon, you would be hard pressed to find anyone who does not have some connection to agriculture and primary production. The north-west of Tasmania is the food bowl of our state. Our temperate climate, reliable rainfall and rich red volcanic soils support a huge variety of premium crops and livestock.
The region is renowned for its potatoes, onions, carrots and brassicas grown for both domestic and international markets. While we're on the topic of carrots, Braddon is home to the Carrot Festival, hosted by the marvellous team at Harvest Moon in the Forth Valley. Harvest Moon is a proudly Tasmanian success story, growing premium vegetables for more than 40 years.
If you've enjoyed a packet of snack sized carrots recently, there's a good chance that they came from Harvest Moon. The electorate is also known for premium fruits such as apples, cherries and berries. Tasmania's fruit and berry industry generates around $400 million in farm-gate value and employs more than 10,000 seasonal workers.
Braddon is also leading the way in high-value crops, including poppies for pharmaceutical use, pyrethrum daisies for insecticide production and lavender for oils, teas and honey. We also produce truffles, wasabi, oysters, saffron and avocados, all of which pair beautifully with the famous Cape Grim and King Island beef grown in the electorate. Agriculture is a major employer in Tasmania, supporting well-paid jobs and our local communities.
Beyond the farm gate, it creates hundreds of jobs in processing, manufacturing and transport. I know this firsthand because, before entering this place, I spent 11 years working at the Edgell Birds Eye factory, now Simplot, starting on the potato production line. That is why it is so important that governments continue to support the sector.
The Albanese Labor government is backing agriculture and primary production in a range of ways, including through our strong biosecurity system. We are managing the threats that are posed by pests and disease that could impact our industry's environment, plants, animals and communities. Thanks to our investment in biosecurity, Australia remains one of the few countries free from many of the world's most damaging invasive pests and diseases.
Our biosecurity system protects agricultural, forestry and fisheries exports worth more than $51 billion while supporting jobs and safeguarding our natural environment. We apply these protections offshore, at the border and onshore. The government is also investing in research, innovation and resilience.
The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture demonstration farm in my electorate is a fantastic example of collaboration between researchers and producers. Last year, the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program supported workshops and field trials focused on improving soil health and sustainability. We're also helping farmers prepare for the future challenges through the Future Drought Fund.
In 2025, grants were awarded to restore dams across Tasmania, helping to strengthen water security and drought resilience. At the same time, we're rebuilding international relationships and strengthening trade partnerships to create new opportunities for Australian producers. We have seen trade barriers removed and new market access opportunities open for a wide range of agricultural products.
However, we know that market access alone is not enough. We can open as many export markets as we like, but if we do not have the workforce to harvest, process and pack our produce those opportunities cannot be realised. That is why the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme has been so important for our region.
The north-west has embraced workers from the Pacific nations and Timor-Leste who have become a critical part of our local workforce. The PALM scheme has helped fill labour shortages and provided businesses with reliable and skilled workers, many of whom return season after season. By supporting our farmers, protecting our biosecurity, investing in innovation and strengthening our workforce, we are helping to ensure Tasmania's agriculture sector remains strong and prosperous for generations to come.
Minister Julie Collins is a strong voice and an active participant right across the agriculture sector, and I congratulate her on her commitment in supporting the sector, particularly through this difficult time.