Address to the 2025 Hort Connections conference, Brisbane

Thanks, Gian. It's a real pleasure to be here.

I didn't have the same experience with you with probiotics, but some of those pictures we just saw did resemble my 16 year old daughter's bedroom. So I've got a new name for now in terms of and maybe a new capability for it as well. But thanks everyone for the invitation to be here.

I’d like to start by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we’re gathering today, and pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging.

I'd also like to thank AusVeg and the International Fresh Produce Association for their invitation to speak today and for also being here on Wednesday with Minister Collins as well.

In particular, I wanted to thank Bill, Michael and Lucy, their President and the executive team, not only for their hospitality this week, but in the 11 months I've been the Assistant Minister for Agriculture, they've been fantastic to work with, whether it be imparting their knowledge about the industry, but also arranging for me to visit some of the farms when I've been out and about across the country as well. I really appreciate it.

And also to Adam Fennessy, the Federal Department Secretary who's in the audience as well.

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It was great to be here with you all on Wednesday where Minister Collins announced $1.5 million in new funding over 3 years to support Hort Connections under the Showcasing Australian Agriculture – Regional Trade Events Program.

Our Ag industry grows and succeeds if we share knowledge, and events like this one are the best way to do that.  

Which is why we’ve increased our investment in regional Ag trade events by committing $23.8 million over three years in last year’s Budget.

Just last week I was down at Casino Beef Week to make a similar funding announcement under the same program.

And while events like this one in our cities are a great way for producers to connect, backing these events in regional centres like Casino are important in our regions.

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I’ve been the Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for almost a year now and since taking on the role, one issue has constantly been raised with me.
Especially by those in horticulture - out there working on the land.

And that is labour shortages.

The horticulture industry have always been strong in advocating to government, but at the same time, they've been proactive about what the industry can do for themselves.

And while we’ve recently committed $440 million to improve and expand the PALM scheme to ensure it delivers for all those it’s meant to assist, we’ve got to focus and capitalise on the homegrown talent that’s here, so we can drive more Aussies into a career in Ag.

That’s why I am excited to launch the updated Growing a Career in Horticulture resources designed to showcase the wide range of careers available in horticulture.

This joint initiative between AUSVEG and HortInnovation will see refreshed material rolled out to showcase the qualifications needed to start a career in horticulture.

This is a great example of how proactive horticulture have been in their work around labour. So that's the document now, which I think has been handed out to everyone today

These resources align perfectly with the Albanese Government’s other programs designed to break down pre-conceived assumptions about what a career in agriculture looks like. These include:
    The AgConnections program which supports four universities to run programs that connect students in our cities and suburbs with work experience opportunities that help them make connections with agribusiness.
    And the extension of the AgCAREERSTART program, which provides a gap-year style work placement for Australians who want to work in agriculture.
Our work to enhance Australia’s TAFE system also compliments these programs and was a key piece of Labor’s election policy platform.

The Albanese Labor Government has supported more than 22,000 enrolments in agriculture related courses through our Fee Free TAFE program – many of which are set to feature the updated Growing a Career in Horticulture resources.

There is so much more work to be done, but we’re up to the challenge, and in our second term, we’re more determined than ever to work with industry to train up the workers that will power this industry into future.

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It’s not lost on Minister Collins and I just how important Horticulture is to Australia’s agricultural output, overall economic success and ongoing food security.

The industry doesn’t just fuel our economy, it shapes the way we live, eat, and sustain our environment.

And with growing investment in technology, sustainability and research, Australia’s horticulture sector is entering a transformative era—one that is filled with opportunities for investors and growers alike.

The Federal Government’s job in all of this is clear… support growth in a sustainable way through the right policy settings, and in a way that boosts productivity and creates more secure jobs.

The sector’s value is forecast to rise by 4 per cent to $19.0 billion in 2025–26, while horticultural exports are expected to rise by 8 per cent to $4.4 billion.

The regional economic benefits cannot be understated, with areas like North West Victoria alone boasting $1.7 billion in Gross Value of Production, and supporting around 7,800 jobs.

But beyond the financial gain, investing in horticulture aligns with global trends in securing Australia’s food security.

As speakers at this conference have outlined, this sector’s expansion will be driven by both innovation and consumer trends.

New AgTech is changing the way we farm in this country, and Aussie producers are doing what they do best - and that is learning how to do more with less.

Which brings me to AI… something we’ve all heard a lot about lately.

It’s a game changer for so many parts of the economy, we know that.

But it’s also going to change how we farm too – ranging from decision-making tools to pest surveillance and even how we analyse changing climate conditions.

That’s why we have to ensure AI is both safe and enabling.

And that’s where we have a role to play.

Getting the policy settings right in this space is going to be critical.

Upholding AI safety was a major priority during our first term - and will continue to be in our second term.

But the Australian challenge is to lean in and adopt AI - while also lifting productivity.

To realise the opportunities where we can, and regulate where we must.

We know lifting productivity isn’t a challenge unique to Australia - or the Ag sector for that matter. Poor productivity growth is a global phenomenon.

But as the Treasurer has made clear, improving our productivity performance is a crucial national endeavour and our government is determined to have an impact on how we invest, develop and adopt AI into our everyday lives.

And that’s why we’re developing a National AI Capability Plan.

This plan—to be delivered late this year—aims to boost productivity, while also capitalising on Australia’s tech advantages through four key objectives: 
1.    grow our investment in AI, 
2.    strengthen our AI capabilities, 
3.    boost our AI skills, 
4.    and secure our economic resilience so AI works for us, and not the other way around.
It’s good to see some of that AI-driven AgTech on show here this week.

But as I’ve always said, we get the best outcomes for producers when government works together with industry, and that’s what we’ll aim to do in this space.

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Before I wrap up today - I want to acknowledge the horticultural producers here from Western Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria who we know are experiencing challenging circumstances.

But obviously – for different reasons.

The severe weather events over the past few months, and even weeks, have impacted so many.

These disasters damaged crops and on-farm infrastructure, disrupted your supply chains – and more importantly – added to the stress of operating in such a vital industry.

And while we were all appalled to see the devastating damage caused by the floods in Queensland and New South Wales, producers in South Australia and Victoria are going through a serious and worsening drought, that we don’t always see on the news each night.

And that’s exactly why we’ve extended the Future Drought Fund Communities Program for another four years, with $36 million in new support and $2.8 million for the Rural Financial Counselling Service.

Drought doesn’t just hurt farmers – it’s impact cascades through to the rest of our regional communities, with small businesses, local community groups and not-for-profits all feeling the strain.

This is practical, real support. These counsellors live in regional communities and understand the conditions and financial stain people are experiencing.

But it’s important to note that as the climate changes so does our approach to assisting farmers when weather conditions take a turn for the worst.

And that’s why we’ve introduced measures like the Farm Household Allowance, concessional loans, and other mental health and wellbeing supports which are set up and ready to go at all times.  

Changing weather conditions don’t hit everyone at the same time, and that’s why this support is available at all times and not triggered by drought declarations.

But assistance packages aren’t perfect and natural disasters require those on the ground to keep governments informed on what works and what doesn’t.

We did this just last week for producers impacted by the Western Queensland floods when we amended the definitions under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements so more farmers can access the assistance we’re offering.

I’d like to thank the State Government for working with us on getting this important change across the line and out the door as soon as possible.

So please know, my door is always open to hear feedback and assist where we can.

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But to finish up, the future of Australian horticulture is brimming with potential.

Whether it’s through technology-driven solutions and AI innovation, enhanced trade opportunities, or research-backed advancements - the opportunities are boundless.  

But investing in horticulture isn’t just about financial growth—it’s about shaping the future of our food production industries, overall environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity.  

So, I encourage each of you to explore how you can help us develop the policy settings needed to become a stronger, and more prosperous farming nation together.

I look forward to working with you all over the next 3 years.

ENDS