Watt out, Collins returns to Ag in ministerial reshuffle

Farming sector leaders are likely to be quietly unhappy at the news that Julie Collins is returning to the Agriculture portfolio, while Murray Watt moves to Employment and Industrial Relations in a ministerial reshuffle announced this afternoon.

Minister Watt had earned respect from people in the industry as someone who was reasonable and listened to facts and reason rather than emotional arguments, and for his handling of issues at the APVMA in Armidale. However, they were not happy with the decision on live sheep, which was one of a number of policies Julie Collins refused to reveal prior to the election.

Collins, who represents the electorate of Franklin in Tasmania, underperformed in the agriculture portfolio in opposition. Her particularly disastrous performance in the National Press Club agriculture debate against David Littleproud led to widespread – and justified – speculation that she would not have the role after the election.

In a possible recognition that Collins has previously struggled with the complex and demanding portfolio, Queensland Senator Anthony Chisholm has been appointed assistant minister for agriculture. She will also not take on the emergency part of Watts’ role, which is being handed over to Senator Julie McAllister who is joining the outer ministry.

NFF Chairman David Jochinke welcomed Minister Collins to his new position.

“The agricultural portfolio is of enormous strategic importance.”

“Agriculture is central to Australia’s climate and energy plans, and to our economic prosperity.”

“Most importantly, a thriving agricultural sector provides high-quality, affordable produce for Australian families at a time when the cost of living is under pressure.”

“We hope that Minister Collins will champion sensible policies to support and grow our agricultural sector,” Mr Jochinke said.

Mr Jochinke also welcomed Senator Anthony Chisholm to the position of Assistant Minister for Agriculture.

“We look forward to working with Senator Chisholm as well and having the added power of an assistant minister in the portfolio.”

Mr Jochinke thanked the outgoing Minister Murray Watt.

“Minister Watt’s tenure will probably be best remembered for the heated conflicts with the industry – from live sheep to water buybacks, the proposed biosecurity tax and visa disputes.”

“There is no doubt that we have seen a number of policies that have had a profound impact on our sector and that have fueled our anger.”

“But we also recognise his partnership and willingness to work with the sector on sustainability, setting up the tripartite workplace working group and delivering more funding for biosecurity.

“His work to normalise our trade with China and ensure Australian agriculture did not get a bad deal in the EU Free Trade Agreement will also be well remembered,” he said.

The reshuffle was prompted by the resignations of ministers Linda Burney and Brendan O’Connor, who will not stand again at the next election, while assistant minister Carol Brown also stepped down due to health reasons.

Home Secretary Clare O’Neil and Immigration Minister Andrew Giles have been removed from their portfolios in the reshuffle.

Ms O’Neil has been transferred to housing and homelessness, but will remain in Cabinet.

Mr. Giles has moved into skills and training in outward ministry.

The two resignations come amid a political headache for the government over its handling of a Supreme Court ruling that freed more than 150 former prisoners.

The opposition has called for heads to roll over the handling of the saga, saying more should have been done to lock up the prisoners, despite the Supreme Court ruling that indefinite detention was illegal.

Indigenous Senator Malarndirri McCarthy has been promoted to Cabinet and will take over the Indigenous Australians portfolio while

Tony Burke will move from Labour and Employment Relations to Home Affairs and Immigration, with the latter being appointed to Cabinet from the outer ministry.

A delicate factional balance must be maintained under internal Labor processes, with all the retirements from the left. The new ministry will be sworn in on Monday.

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