Dugald Saunders appointed new NSW Minister for Agriculture

Dugald-Saunders-NSW Farmers has thanked outgoing Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall and Water Minister Melinda Pavey for their service to the state amid the Premier’s reshuffle announcement.

Mr Marshall appointed the state’s first Agriculture Commissioner, and was instrumental in enshrining the Right to Farm in law.

Ms Pavey listened to the concerns of farmers and delivered important reform on Coastal Harvestable Rights, while working through tough issues such as Floodplain Harvesting. NSW Farmers President James Jackson said both had made a lasting contribution to the state’s agricultural sector.

“On behalf of the farmers of our state I want to thank these outgoing ministers for their contribution and willingness to work with us to find solutions for agriculture,” Mr Jackson said.

“We wish them all the best in their future endeavours, and hope they get to spend a restful Christmas break with family and friends.”

Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders has been appointed as the new Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW, while Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has been appointed Lands and Water Minister.

Other important moves for farmers and their communities include the appointment of Deputy Premier Paul Toole as Police Minister, Bronnie Taylor as Regional Health Minister, Anthony Roberts as Planning Minister, Sam Farraway as Regional Roads and Transport Minister, Wendy Tuckerman as Local Government Minister, Steph Cooke as Emergency Services Minister and James Griffin as Environment Minister, while Treasurer Matt Kean will retain the additional portfolio of Energy.

Mr Jackson said there were a number of important items on the agenda for 2022, and NSW Farmers would continue to champion the agriculture sector as it pursued a target of $30 billion in farmgate output by 2030.

“We have been progressing a number of important issues this year such as resolving land use conflict, support for farmers during plague and natural disaster, and improving regional infrastructure; it is critical we see that work and investment continue,” Mr Jackson said.

“After the economic hit of COVID-19, agriculture is in a great position to help rebuild our economy and really cement our place and the engine room of the nation.

“Finding solutions to on-farm labour shortages, legislating the role of the Agriculture Commissioner and reaching a lasting solution around biodiversity and land management will be critical to our future.”

NSW Farmers will be sending letters to each of the new ministers outlining progress on tackling major issues and highlighting where we can work together to further develop regional communities and the future of agriculture.

“There is a lot of potential in agriculture, now we need to unleash the beast,” Mr Jackson said.

“We will continue to make a noise on beefing up our biosecurity and investing in technology to improve farm efficiency and outputs, but we will also play a critical role in holding the government to account when it comes to country communities.

“This is an important time for agriculture, and we will be actively pursuing better outcomes for the sector.”