Farmers are concerned that merging the Trade and Foreign Affairs portfolios may have implications for Australian trade opportunities.
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Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) President Andrew Broad said farmers were one of the nation’s largest export groups and he was concerned trade relationships, and particularly the exploration of new trade opportunities, may not be given the appropriate attention without a dedicated Minister.
Mr Broad was responding to the minor Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Julia Gillard yesterday in which she appointed Stephen Smith as Minister for Trade in addition to his pre-existing Foreign Affairs responsibilities.
“Australian farmers are some of this nation’s greatest exporters. Each year over $32 billion in agricultural produce leaves our shores with farmers exporting 60 per cent of the food and fibre they produce. Trade is one of the government’s most important portfolios, and one of the most significant policy areas for our industry” Mr Broad said.
“We acknowledge the good work that Simon Crean undertook during his time as Minister for Trade in the Rudd Government. Mr Crean had an extensive knowledge of the agricultural industry and rural Australia gained during his time as Minister for Primary Industries and Energy and later as Shadow Minister for Regional Development.”
“At a time when the Prime Minister has stated that she is looking for ‘maximum stability’ within government, farmers are looking for a demonstrated commitment to agriculture from Julia Gillard and Stephen Smith through a commitment to broadening our markets and driving agricultural exports forward.”
“The best and most efficient way to strengthen the economy is by building greater trade opportunities. Given the global economic downturn the first priority of the Gillard Government should be to drive export growth. It is my hope that this has not been put in jeopardy by the deprioritisation of this critical portfolio,” Mr Broad concluded.
