The Minns Labor Government in New South Wales says it is planning to make good on an election promise in September by introducing legislation to establish a statutory office to create an Independent Agriculture Commissioner for the State.
The Commissioner will provide dedicated oversight and advice to the Minister for Agriculture on issues relating to agriculture, land use, food security and agricultural productivity, a media release announcing the news today explained.
“Over the past decade NSW farmers have faced, floods, bushfires, drought, multiple biosecurity incursions and the impacts of COVID19 on global supply chains. At the same time the growing impact of climate change means it is more vital than ever that Government receive independent, expert advice on policies and issues facing the state’s primary industries,” the statement said.
The Commissioner will undertake the following functions:
- provide advice, conduct reviews and make recommendations on issues relating to agriculture, agricultural productivity, land use and food security when requested by the Minister
- monitor trends and issues relating to agriculture, land use and food security, and to identify opportunities to improve agricultural productivity
- promote a coordinated and collaborative approach across all tiers of Government
- engage experts and stakeholders in matters relating to the exercise of the Commissioner’s functions
Once legislation passes Parliament work will begin to appoint the new Commissioner, consistent with legislation, policies and procedures.
NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, said farmers were “the lifeblood of New South Wales” and it was important to have an independent commissioner “advising Government on how we can enhance farmers’ productivity”.
“The advice of the Commissioner to me will be used to inform evidence-based decisions on policy and programs that can best promote our agricultural sector.
“Thank you to the former Commissioner, Daryl Quinlivan, for his tireless work in this space and in outlining options for the independent commissioner role.”
Farm productivity must be top priority
The announcement comes as farmers face significant land use conflicts on a number of fronts, which NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said must firmly on the agenda for the new Commissioner.
“As demand for more housing, more wind complexes, more solar panels and more industrial space increases, farmers have faced the prospect of their most productive agricultural land being taken away,” Mr Martin said.
“Without the land and water they need to grow food, more farmers will be forced out of business – and as a result, putting food on the table will get a lot harder, and more expensive, for the average Australian family.”
The appointment of a legislated, Independent Agriculture Commissioner for NSW was a key pre-election promise of the state government back in 2022, and Mr Martin thanked Premier Chris Minns and Minister Moriarty for keeping their word.
“Over the past 30 years, Australia has lost more than 15 per cent of its productive farmland – and so now has never been a more critical time to focus on land use pressures,” Mr Martin said.
“The appointment of an Independent Agriculture Commissioner for NSW is a positive step towards a fairer future for our farmers, as they battle threats to their right to farm on all fronts.
“We hope to be able to engage with this new Independent Commissioner directly to advocate for more strategic land use in NSW moving forward, and enable our farmers to keep producing the food and fibre our growing population needs.”
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