Address to the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework (AASF) Exchange - Melbourne

Firstly, I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are gathered and pay my respects to their Elders past and present.

I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.

Thank you to the NFF for inviting me to speak today and to the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework (AASF) partners, including the Australian Farm Institute (AFI), RDC representatives, and everyone who has made the time to gather today.

It’s great to be with you this morning at what I’m sure will be an excellent opportunity for you all to share knowledge and help to uphold our nation’s strong reputation for being innovative and adaptive to new challenges across the sector.

It is this reputation that set us apart from other countries across international markets.

Our Government has been laser focused on opening doors for Australian agriculture to grow and diversify export markets, with trade now the most diversified it’s ever been.

The latest big challenge that industry has been responding to, as well as why we’re here today, is sustainability.

Because as climate change worsens, deploying sustainable and climate-smart practices is key to the industry’s future.

As so many here understand, Australian agriculture is an export-oriented sector, with more than 70 per cent of our agricultural produce traded abroad.

And while Australian food products remain in high demand around the world, we are seeing an increasing number of customers and importers looking for sustainability credentials – and today an overwhelming 86 per cent of our exports go to markets with net zero commitments.

As a Government we need to address these demands so we can remain competitive and profitable on the global stage.

This will be a massive task, but one that will be worth it, because through these challenges, agricultural sustainability presents extraordinary opportunities for our producers as well as the regional communities they support.

As someone who spends a lot of time on the road meeting with people across regional, rural and remote communities, I’m proud of our Government’s commitment to support the agriculture sector meet those commitments and harness the subsequent opportunities.

The Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework, or ‘AASF’, is a key example of government partnering with industry to progress our joint sustainability agenda.

As a world leading national reporting framework, it lays out 17 principles that are integral to a successful sustainable transition for Australia.

These include themes of environmental stewardship, caring for people and animals, and ensuring economic resilience for both industry as well as community.

The Albanese Government has been on the front foot when it comes to actioning these themes by delivering targeted funding, such as our significant investment in biosecurity.

Last year, we announced our Sustainable Biosecurity Funding Model, the first in our nation’s history. This model provides $1 billion in additional funding – including $845 million to support operations across the country to protect our incredibly valuable and vulnerable sector.

Because while the strength of our national biosecurity system and Australia’s geographic isolation has kept us free from many threats, including H5 Bird Flu, we can’t afford to be complacent.

Not only does the AASF play an important role in promoting sustainability to producers, it aligns multiple commodity-based frameworks to international criteria – allowing the communication of sustainability reporting of Australian agriculture to domestic and global markets.

By creating an authoritative framework, the AASF also creates certainty for the wider industry.

Just a few weeks ago, I launched the National Agricultural Traceability Strategy’s first five-year Implementation Plan - which will direct the Government’s $120 million investment in the traceability space - at the CSIRO’s facility in Brisbane.

Sustainability and traceability work hand in hand to benefit the sector, because as we better harmonise our frameworks and data standards, that drives investment in agricultural systems, technology and practices.

For your awareness, public consultation is open today on the Agriculture Traceability Sustainability Working Group’s (ASCWG) discussion paper, which is focussing on international market requirements for proof of sustainability claims.

I encourage those interested to upload a submission before the 24th of February next year, so we can ensure the final report’s recommendations and actions for our traceability and sustainability settings are as informed as possible.

It’s so encouraging to see that the AASF is gaining momentum overseas, and increasing recognition of Australia’s leadership in global sustainability.

That’s because Aussie farmers are doing great things in this space.

Working under some of the harshest environmental conditions, they work with the natural environment – not against it.

But though they’re always adapting, our farmers are already feeling the effects of climate change, and I’ve seen it firsthand.

Last year the Treasurer and I were out on sheep and cattle farm near Winton owned and managed by the Mims family.

I often think of David and his daughter, who were kind enough to dedicate their afternoon to showing Jim and I around their property, and take us through what barriers they encounter and how our government can assist.

Anyone who has spent time in that part of country would acknowledge its hard going. All it takes is one long dry spell or a torrential downpour to wreak havoc on Queensland’s cattle industry.
So today, is the perfect time to hear from industry experts like those speaking after me on what we can do to make sure we keep on leading from the front on this issue.

Because as climate change becomes a more serious risk to industry, sustainability has become the core focal point to offset the risks that farmers like David and his family will inevitably encounter again in the future.

That’s why as a government we’re investing $63.8 million over 10 years to ensure the sector remains productive and profitable through this shift.

This includes the development of the Agriculture and Land Sector Plan which is designed to outline the sectors pathway to contribute to an economy-wide net zero target, and to guide long-term research in agricultural emissions reduction.

The sector is also doing its part by moving toward their own ambitious targets:
•    Dairy Australia aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity across the dairy industry by 30 per cent by 2030; 
•    The NFF has supported an economy-wide transition to net zero by 2050; and 
•    MLA has committed to a carbon neutral red meat market by 2030.

We’ve also made sure that farmers, land managers, industry and rural communities are informed and able to get the support it needs to manage those sustainability goals.

Under the Government’s $302.1 million Climate-Smart Agriculture Program, we’re driving agricultural sustainability, productivity and competitiveness by supporting farmers to adopt climate-smart practices that manage emissions, build climate change resilience, improve soils and conserve biodiversity.

But outside of the Climate-Smart Ag, are other programs designed to address what many would say is the most ominous threat climate change brings for our producers. Drought.

Drought is of course a recurring feature of our landscape and has been part of farming in Australia forever, and I know everyone in this room will have it factored into their businesses.

Our approach seeks to build the resilience of farms by enabling preparedness, risk management and financial self-reliance, while at the same time ensuring support is always available to those experiencing hardship.

The $5 billion Future Drought Fund or ‘FDF’ is a key investment by the Federal Government to build drought preparedness and resilience in our agriculture sector and communities by providing secure, continuous funding for drought resilience initiatives.

We’ve also made sure we’ve listened to industry, farmers and communities about drought and its impact - and have committed $519.1 million over the next 8 years to deliver the second phase of the FDF.
That includes the continuation of the 8 Drought Innovation Hubs, and $120.3 million to trial innovative solutions all with the potential to build the sector and businesses, as well as communities long term resilience to drought risks.

Alongside these initiatives, are programs that aim to tackle the emotional toll drought takes on the home life of our producers, like the Household Allowance and the Rural Financial Counselling Service who provide vital support during tough times, and make sure assistance is available when it’s needed most.

Today’s event has brought together more than 100 experts from across industry, government, and academia to discuss best practice approaches and how, together, we can demonstrate the sustainability of Australian agriculture both at home and overseas.

I know that all the speakers will pass on something insightful about different sustainability themes and initiatives, and why we should be excited to meet this challenge head on.

Thank you to everyone who has made this event possible and travelled to join us. Your innovation and hard work will help strengthen our sustainability systems and strategies, while also motivating others to join in this national effort.

Enjoy the rest of today’s event. Thanks.