The NFF has developed strong relationships with the Coalition over the past three years, and we look forward to our continuing engagement with a renewed focus on creating opportunity and growth the agricultural sector.

We particularly welcome back Barnaby Joyce as Agriculture and Water Resources Minister, as well as his assistant ministers Anne Ruston and Luke Hartsuyker.

We look forward to continuing to work with Mr Joyce and his team to drive key outcomes for farmers and the wider sector.

We acknowledge the reappointment of many ministers to their respective portfolios, ensuring continuity of knowledge and expertise in areas of critical importance to the agricultural sector.

Key appointments of note include Steve Ciobo as Trade Minister, Julie Bishop as Foreign Affairs Minister, Scott Morrison as Treasurer, Mitch Fifield as Communications Minister; Nigel Scullion as Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Darren Chester as Minister for Infrastructure and Transport; and Angus Taylor as Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation.

We also welcome back Michaelia Cash as Minister for Employment; Peter Dutton as Minister for Immigration and Border Protection and Fiona Nash with her expanded portfolio responsibilities of Regional Development, Regional Communications, Local Government and the Territories – portfolios that play a major role in ensuring a sustainable farm workforce.

We congratulate Ministers and Assistant Ministers moving into new portfolio areas including Josh Frydenberg as Minister for the Environment and Energy; Kelly O’Dwyer as Minister for Revenue and Financial Services; Matt Canavan as the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia; Greg Hunt as Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Karen Andrews as Minister for Vocational Education and Skills; and Michael McCormack as Small Business Minister.

The NFF had five key priority areas leading into the Federal Election – and these remain our five key policy platforms now. We believe there is a vital need to: build a stronger workforce; supercharge farm business; invest in innovation and technology; lead the global marketplace; and balance farming and the environment.

Overall, keeping agriculture on the national agenda remains our key focus and we will continue to advocate that. 

Brent Finlay 

NFF president

MUSICIANS wanting to promote and showcase their talents to overseas producers or develop contacts that could open the door to an international music career are invited to apply for NSW government funding. 

Opportunity Development Grants Program can help local musicians and their managers develop the business and networking skills required to make it onto the world stage.

Musicians can apply for funding to help them land major tour support slots, take advantage of a unique performance opportunity or attend workshops that develop the professional skills necessary to operate at an international level.

This funding can be used to bring musicians to the attention of notable producers, presenters and industry professionals with overseas connections. 

Musicians can apply for up to $850 for each person named in an application, to a maximum total of $5500 per group.

Round two applications opened on Monday and close on September 6.

Full application details are available at www.musicnsw.com. 

Adrian Piccoli

Member for Murray