Address to the Australian Grains Industry Conference

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[Acknowledgments omitted]

It’s a real pleasure to be here at the Australian Grains Industry Conference. 

This conference comes at a significant time for the sector. 

Australia's grain industry continues to navigate a complex global environment shaped by geopolitical instability, trade pressures, climate variability and changing market expectations. 

From the war in the Middle East, tariff and non-tariff barriers, and shifting international trading arrangements, the pressures on global agriculture remain significant. 

Despite these challenges, Australia's grain industry continues to demonstrate extraordinary resilience and strength.

The value of grains and oilseeds in the most recent financial year was the third highest on record.  

These achievements come on top of three consecutive record harvests from 2020-21 to 2022-23. 

These are remarkable results and reflect the productivity, innovation and adaptability of Australian growers. 

And I’ve seen this innovation and commitment to excellence first-hand on the ground. 

Earlier this year I spent time with CBH in Western Australia, and toured their Metro Grain Centre, Australian Grains Centre, and Blue Lake Milling. 

I saw its “automated visual assessment of grain” technology in action. 

This purpose-built technology has revolutionised how it does things. 

Its rigorous, multi-step testing and sampling not only maintains their high-quality products, but the strict biosecurity requirements that underpin their global trade. 

All while maximising its productivity, which is also at the forefront of its innovative milling techniques.  

And I know innovation just like this is happening right across industry. 

While your industry’s recent results are encouraging, I know the numbers only tell part of the story. 

Many growers have experienced challenging drought conditions in recent years. 

While much of the country has received good rainfall over recent months, forecasts are signalling below-average rainfall in the second half of the year for parts of southern and eastern Australia. 

This is creating some uncertainty and compounds other impacts growers have faced, including volatile input costs and market uncertainty. 

The Albanese Labor Government understands these pressures and we are acting. 

Following disruption to global supply chains resulting from the war in the Middle East, we have worked closely with industry to support fuel and fertiliser supply. 

We are investing more than $14 billion towards the Strengthening Australia's Fuel Resilience package.

This has helped to provide immediate relief, including securing more fuel and fertiliser, while boosting our sovereign capability into the future. We’ve supported the purchase of nearly 800 million litres of additional diesel, and around 340,000 tonnes of urea for Australian farmers.

Securing this additional supply is about giving certainty to our farmers as the season progresses. 

It’s about keeping Australia moving. 

And keeping our agricultural supply chains strong. 

Our Government also established the Fertiliser Supply Working Group with industry representatives to continue supporting the import of critical inputs while maintaining Australia's strong biosecurity standards. 

I have made engagement with industry a priority throughout this period because I know coordinated action matters during times of uncertainty. 

This engagement has included more than a dozen industry roundtables which has of course included representatives of the proud grain industry. 

Listening to industry means our Government continues to deliver for industry.  

It’s why we are consulting on a demand measure for low carbon liquid fuels and the development of a National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy.  

i know these are things many of you in this room have called for because it is a win-win for our grains and oilseeds industry.  

This is about reducing our reliance on imported fuels – improving the resilience of our domestic industries, while providing new economic opportunities for your industry.

This is of course backed by our investment of over $1 billion to kickstart production of low carbon liquid fuels here in Australia.

Our Government is focused on doing more in our own backyard which will help minimise the impacts of global disruptions and safeguard our food security.

Our Government has taken this action because we understand how critical food security is to Australia and for Australians. 

Australia is fortunate to be food secure, but recent global shocks are a reminder that we cannot afford complacency. 

That is why the Government is developing the National Food Security Strategy, Feeding Australia, to provide a long-term plan to boost the productivity, resilience and security of our national food system. 

Just yesterday, I joined the National Food Council here in Melbourne to continue the development of the strategy.  

And in a period of heightened global uncertainty, biosecurity has never been more important. 

Australia's biosecurity system is one of our greatest competitive advantages and we remain committed to maintaining strong protections while supporting trade and the movement of critical goods. 

Our support also extends beyond immediate pressures. 

Since July 2022, the Government has invested more than $1.3 billion in rural support and resilience measures. 

And from 1 July this year, we’re delivering an additional $1 billion to the Regional Investment Corporation to continue this support, including concessional loans. 

We’re supporting farmers and regional communities to build their resilience to shocks like drought, before, during and after they are impacted. 

Trade will also remain central to the future success of the grains industry. 

We have worked hard to strengthen relationships with key trading partners, including China, India and Indonesia. 

Our Government has now recorded more than 270 agricultural market access achievements for our farmers and producers which I know is critical for your industry.  

But we know the global trading environment is changing. 

That’s why our approach must remain coordinated, strategic and outward looking to ensure our agriculture sector remains globally competitive and trusted. 

We know competitiveness depends not only on market access, but on a regulatory system that supports industry growth. 

That is why we are streamlining the Wheat Port Code, with the streamlined Code remaining in place until 1 October 2029. 

This allows time for a smooth transition to industry self-regulation while continuing to support transparency, competition and the efficient operation of Australia's wheat export market. 

Another important step in strengthening the competitiveness of Australia's grain industry is the introduction of the new Grain Storage Assets and Management Standard Scheme, or GSAMS Scheme. 

Developed by Grain Trade Australia in partnership with our Government, the GSAMS Scheme is an excellent example of government and industry working together to deliver practical improvements across the export supply chain. 

The GSAMS Scheme commenced on 1 July, and I congratulate Grain Trade Australia and everyone involved in delivering this important initiative.  

While there are challenges ahead, there is also enormous opportunity. 

Earlier this year at ABARES Outlook, I announced that Australian agriculture was on track to reach its goal of becoming a $100 billion industry four years ahead of schedule. 

That milestone reflects the adaptability and innovation of Australian agriculture, and the grains industry has been central to that success. 

But we cannot stand still. 

Climate variability, shifting consumer expectations and slowing productivity growth mean the sector will need to continue evolving to remain globally competitive. 

The good news is that the industry has shown time and again that it can adapt and succeed through change. 

Our role as Government is to continue backing the sector by reducing unnecessary barriers, supporting innovation, strengthening resilience and protecting the reputation the industry has earned around the world. 

Because a strong grains industry means stronger regional communities, stronger exports, stronger food security and a stronger national economy. 

And despite the challenges we face globally, I remain incredibly optimistic about the future of Australia's grains industry. 

Thank you.