QUEENSLAND LNP MP Keith Pitt will play a significant and diverse agricultural role boosting farm profitability, in assisting Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce.
Mr Pitt was elevated to the ministerial position after Mr Joyce replaced Warren Truss to become Nationals leader in February.
He and the Agriculture and Water Resources Minister have avoided making public comment on how the new job would align with Mr Joyce’s duties and that of Assistant Agriculture and Water Resources Minister and SA Liberal Senator Anne Ruston, ahead of the ministerial charter letters being released by Mr Turnbull.
However, this week Mr Pitt released a statement confirming his key ministerial priorities.
He will focus on delivery of the National Landcare Program working with the National Advocate for Soil Health to promote better soil health management.
Another core task will be working with the Environment Minister to engage the agriculture sector in the Emissions Reduction Fund and deliver projects under the Carbon Farming Futures Program.
Mr Pitt said he’d also be working closely with Mr Joyce on water issues in Central Queensland, including seeking opportunities under the $500 million National Water Infrastructure Development Fund.
He said exploring options to further address labour issues in the agriculture sector, in consultation with relevant Ministers, was another core task, to ensure a skilled and agile workforce that improve farm productivity.
Mr Pitt will also assist his party leader on issues concerning the nation’s $1.6 billion livestock export industry.
The first term MP said live exports made a vital contribution not only to Australia’s economy but to the livelihoods of many of rural and regional communities.
“This is an exciting time for agriculture in Australia and there are great opportunities for the sector,” he said.
“Our world-class reputation as a reliable supplier of clean, green and safe agricultural produce positions us well to take advantage of growing global demand for agrifood products.
“We are committed to continuing to work with the agriculture sector to build productivity and profitability to ensure we are able to capitalise on future opportunities.”
Mr Pitt said integral to the government’s ability to realise its vision for a strong and profitable agriculture sector was the need to manage natural resources effectively and with long-term vision.
“No-one has a greater incentive than our farmers to ensure that future generations can share in the benefits of a healthy, productive and well-managed natural resource base, and Australia’s farmers are some of our best land managers,” he said, of his roles in soil health and carbon trading.
“Modern and effective infrastructure is vital in managing our water resources to support a productive agriculture sector, strong communities and healthy environments.
“It is honour to have the opportunity to work with Barnaby Joyce and Anne Ruston to contribute to the important outcomes of the Agriculture and Water Resources portfolio.
“From delivering the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, comprehensive drought support, expanding access to premium overseas markets, modernising our 100-year-old Biosecurity legislation, to building the water infrastructure of the future, the Coalition Government’s focus is firmly on building a vibrant, strong and prosperous agriculture sector.”
Senator Ruston’s responsibilities will be in horticulture, fisheries, forestry and wine and backing Mr Joyce on the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
Since entering federal parliament at the 2013 election, Mr Pitt has taken a strong stance on weeding out corrupt, unethical practices and extortion in the horticultural workforce.
In February, he laughed off media reports about his promotion which described him as a low profile ‘nobody’ MP, saying they were “hilarious”.
“My job as a backbencher is not to be on the front page of the nation’s newspapers - it’s about getting good outcomes for the people I represent and you don’t have to be in the media to get that done,” he said.
“I’ve had some good wins for my electorate and that’s the job; regardless of what role I have as an Assistant Minister.”
However, his promotion may be relatively short-lived if a double-dissolution election is called for July 2 with federal parliament called to return on April 18 to debate the controversial Australian Building and Construction Commission legislation.
Pressure is being applied to cross bench Senators to support the government, with Mr Turnbull set to call the election after the May 2 budget – moved forward by a week - if the Bill fails to pass.
