Speculation mounts over appointment of Federal agriculture portfolio

Farmers will have to wait another week to find out who the new Federal agriculture minister will be, as speculation mounts over who will claim the portfolio vacated by David Littleproud. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has remained tight-lipped on who will take on the role after Labor toppled the Liberal-National Coalition at Saturday’s Federal election. Mr Albanese was sworn in on Monday along with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher. But the remainder of the Cabinet won’t be sworn in until June 1, a Labor spokeswoman confirmed, after the assignment of portfolios is determined by the caucus. Meanwhile, rumours are circulating that the agriculture portfolio could go to anyone, from former opposition leader Bill Shorten to WA Senator Glenn Sterle. Mr Sterle’s credentials include a stint as chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport from 2013 to 2016. Another possible contender is Victorian Senator Raff Ciccone, a former member of the Joint Standing Committee on Migration which reported on the working holiday visa program. It remains unclear whether Julie Collins — who failed to impress farmers as shadow agriculture minister — will hold on to the role she took over from the now retired Joel Fitzgibbon. Ms Collins easily maintained the Tasmanian seat of Franklin despite a rocky campaign during which she refused to say whether Labor intended to ban live sheep exports, only to have the controversial policy leaked by an animal welfare group. Mr Littleproud also held on to his seat — the Nationals stronghold of Maranoa in Queensland — but was ousted as Federal agriculture minister. WA Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan told Countryman having dual Labor Federal and State governments would benefit the agriculture sector. “The Federal election result presents a real opportunity for the State and Federal Governments to work together to get things done for ag,” she said. “We can now have sensible discussions about co-investment in building climate resilience, and helping farmers reduce their carbon footprint to meet market expectations. “We want to work to attract a fairer share of industry good and Federal funding for grains, beef and sheep, to drive even stronger results for WA’s agriculture industry.” Ms MacTiernan said she was also keen to work with her Federal colleagues to focus on wool processing studies “as an opportunity for Western Australia”. “We will meet with the new Minister at the earliest opportunity to discuss their agenda,” she said. WA Premier Mark McGowan is urging his Federal colleagues to ensure WA has “strong representation” in Mr Albanese’s cabinet. Labor won all but two of WA’s 11 Federal seats — including the blue ribbon seats of Hasluck, Pearce, Swan and Tangney — with double-digit swings across several electorates. At a press conference on Monday, Mr McGowan said it would be good for WA to have more MPs on the government side in the new parliament, and that should also be reflected in the ministry. “I do think they need to have strong representation from Western Australia,” he said. “There’s lots of ambition and there’s lots of talented people and not everyone who wants a role can get it. That’s the reality. “I just urge them to have strong representation from WA.” Agricultural industry bodies were quick to welcome Mr Albanese as Australia’s 31st Prime Minister, with many — including the Australian Meat Industry Council — releasing statements to that effect. “AMIC and our members are eager to work with this newly formed government and look forward to the Prime Minister naming his agriculture minister upon his return from Tokyo,” AMIC chief executive Patrick Hutchinson said. A spokeswoman for Sheep Producers Australia said: “SPA would like to congratulate Anthony Albanese and Labor on their election win and look forward to the announcement of the new agriculture minister.” Both organisations thanked Mr Littleproud and outgoing Prime Minister Scott Morrison for their support of the agriculture sector during the Coalition’s time in Government.