Fiona Phillips
Gilmore · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“For the past 26 years, Pig has been involved in charity car rallies, and in 1992 he hosted the first Nowra truck show, which raised $15,000 for the family of a fellow truckie who was tragically killed in a truck accident in Cobargo.”
“Today, I want to give a massive shout-out to a Shoalhaven legend, Ian Usher—better known locally as 'Pig'—who has raised more than $2 million for charities.”
“The team took on bush roads while raising funds to support men with mental health issues throughout Australia, as well as in our own community. Pig is proud and humble and isn't too keen on fanfare, but he really is a legend in our community.”
“At the other end of the scale, we have many young families that are encouraged to walk with prams or venture out with young kids on scooters or bikes to safely walk or ride to the local park, school or sporting fields.”
“Recently I joined with the Bawley Point and Kioloa communities to celebrate the completion of the pathway that connects the two coastal villages. It's a project that has taken decades and has been completed in stages, but the community pushed on because they knew how much it was needed.”
“Covering three local government areas of Kiama, Shoalhaven and the Eurobodalla, I know that new or improved footpaths and cycleways are at the top of the wish list for many communities, but council funding is limited.”
The complete record
Every one of 303 lines we hold for Fiona Phillips, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 7.
“At 9 am on 20 December, the waves lapped gently on the sand, and the morning sun warmed the solemn faces of hundreds of surf lifesavers who stood shoulder to shoulder on beaches right along the New South Wales South Coast and far south coast. For three minutes, lifeguards, volunteer surf lifesavers, young Nippers and community members stood side by side in silence to pay respects to those who lost their lives at Bondi Beach one week earlier on 14 December, a day that changed our nation forever. It was heartwarming to see lifesavers from 10 local surf clubs in my electorate, from Kiama in the north to Moruya in the south, come together for this quiet moment of reflection, unity and solidarity.”
“Participants enjoy activities, games, dancing and singing, community outings and a home cooked meal for lunch. Importantly, this group has become a trusted entry point for people who might help with home-care packages and other aged-care services. We need to celebrate and respect our vibrant seniors and ensure their needs are met as they transition from supported living at home to aged care. There's more to do, but we're building a new aged-care system that will stand up to the challenges our nation will face as our population ages.”
“It means they can stay independent for as long as possible. Our new Aged Care Act is a major step forward that ensures people can stay connected to their families and friends, remain involved in their communities and enjoy enriched lives in their twilight years. In my electorate I love visiting the many seniors groups that are buzzing with life and that keep our older residents engaged, entertained and connected. As local people age, social support and connection become even more important, especially in regional multicultural communities that can be more heavily impacted by social isolation. I'm pleased to continue supporting seniors groups like those run by the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra, which received a $332,000 funding boost under the Commonwealth Home Support Program.”
“We don't want people stuck in hospital beds when they could be receiving the care they need in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by loved ones, or in dedicated short-term or permanent aged care. The royal commission told us Australia's aged care system was unacceptable and unsustainable, broken and neglected by those opposite for nine years. After almost a decade of inaction, the Albanese Labor government has taken major steps to bring about real change that will change lives now and for generations to come. We are delivering safer, fairer and more transparent care for older Australians that puts their rights and their quality of life at its heart. Our additional Support at Home places mean our older residents—our parents, grandparents, family members and neighbours—can get back to the people and places they call home.”
“While the Commonwealth has responsibility for the aged care system, we're working closely with the states and territories, who manage our hospitals, because we know too many older people are spending far too long in hospital when they should be in a more appropriate care environment. This has been an ongoing issue in our aged-care system, and the pressures are being felt particularly in regional areas like Gilmore, where hospital beds are sometimes the only care options for our elderly. We know that every day an older Australian spends in hospital, when they should be in a more appropriate care environment, puts pressure on their wellbeing and, of course, on our hospital system.”
“We want to ensure older people in our communities get the care they need, when and where they need it. Every Australian deserves dignity, respect and quality care as they age. Saturday 1 November was a historic day for aged-care reform in this country with the start of the new Aged Care Act. I'm so proud to be part of a Labor government that is turning things around. With our overhauled Aged Care Act now in place and the new Support at Home program providing a higher level of care for people in their homes, this is great news for our most vulnerable citizens. A higher level of care available at home means that more older Australians will be able to get the support they need without going into a clinical setting. Importantly, it means they'll be able to stay at home as they recover, without bouncing back into hospital.”
“Gilmore has an ageing population. In fact, compared to other electorates, Gilmore has one of the highest numbers of age pensioners, so I am acutely aware of the many issues facing our older residents. Almost daily, my office receives emails and calls from older constituents or their family members, seeking support for their aged-care needs, whether that's arranging lawnmowing, meals, help around their home or access to health services, or assisting with the transition to residential care. I know that for too long older residents in Gilmore and right around Australia have been left waiting for the care they deserve. Under the previous government the system wasn't fit for purpose, and that's exactly why we're rebuilding our aged-care system from the ground up.”
“This will ensure Rex's Saab fleet cannot be sold without the government's permission and will continue to service communities across regional and remote Australia. To further support local communities, we've established a new program, capped at $5 million, for local government and regional and remote airports that supported Rex through the voluntary administration process.”
“The Albanese government represents more regional electorates than any other party, so we know the challenges they face when it comes to connectivity. That's why we have welcomed the recent announcement that the majority of creditors have voted in support of Air T's bid to acquire Rex. Air T's bid was endorsed by the government and includes a support package comprising a new loan of up to $60 million and a restructuring of existing Australian government debt. I am delighted that Air T has agreed to a range of commitments, including returning more aircraft to service and increasing the frequency of profitable flights across the Rex network. To safeguard this public investment, the government will retain its security over all Rex's aircraft and its simulator.”
“Works will also support the continued use of the airport by emergency services including the Royal Flying Doctor Service and aerial firefighting, even for night and low-visibility operations, as well as by regular passenger services. I am absolutely delighted to see improvements at Moruya Airport, which is a lifeline for our economy. Our investment is helping to create more jobs, helping local farmers and supporting our social and economic connections across Australia. It is great news for our region. Upgrades like these aren't just improvements; they're the difference between regional residents getting medical help, firefighters getting access during an emergency and economies growing through tourism.”
“This government has also stepped up to support regional airport upgrades, because we know they matter. We're investing almost $12 million to upgrade regional airports across New South Wales, including at Moruya. This funding, under round 4 of the Regional Airports Program, is delivering essential upgrades, such as runway resurfacing, fencing, lighting and drainage, which will improve safety, enhance accessibility and boost capacity at our regional airports. Work is underway to reseal the runway, taxiways and apron pavement and replace the apron lighting at Moruya Airport. This work ensures the continued safe operation of the airport, safeguarding its role as a lifeline for the community and a gateway for access to vital services and for visitors to the South Coast.”
“I know how important regional air services are for local people, businesses and communities like mine, which is why I'm thrilled that the Albanese Labor government stepped up to support Rex Airlines through a voluntary administration process. We've been working with the administrators of Rex to ensure crucial regional aviation services can remain in the air. We are committed to maintaining access to aviation services for regional and remote communities and recognise the critical role Rex plays in supporting local economies. The Albanese Labor government continues to back regional aviation just like we back regional telecommunications, because we know our great country towns and villages deserve quality services and connectivity just like our cities.”
“Moruya Airport is the only passenger airport in my electorate of Gilmore on the New South Wales South Coast in the Eurobodalla. It is of course in the southern part of the Gilmore electorate—a very long, long drive to either Sydney or Canberra. Importantly, it provides a vital link for local people to access medical treatment and education opportunities in the city and to stay connected with family and friends. It also helps our many local food producers get their products to national and international markets. My friends, colleagues and community fly from Moruya to Canberra, Sydney and other regional areas in New South Wales.”
“I also can't wait for the doors to open on the brand new federally funded Medicare urgent care clinic in Nowra very soon; watch this space. We're making it cheaper for people to see a GP, no matter where they live. That's real, tangible cost-of-living relief for ordinary Australians.”
“We are also opening more Medicare urgent care clinics across the country, and I'm so pleased that, from 10 November, the very popular Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic has been operating 18 hours a day—the longest of any clinic in the country. We promised to expand the hours from 6 am to midnight before the busy summer holiday period, and that's what we've done. More than 20,000 people have walked through the doors since the Batemans Bay clinic opened. The community was crying out for longer hours to take pressure off the hospital and local doctors. The population swells over summer, so now locals and visitors will be able to seek urgent non-life-threatening care for all those pesky summer colds, holiday injuries, sprains and stings until midnight every day of the year without having to wait hours in the ED.”
“Grand Pacific Health Nowra Practice Manager Charise Morris said, 'Being sick was not cheap, especially for families and the chronically ill.' She told me that the change would make a huge difference, because, when people don't have to pay a gap fee to see their doctor for a general consult, that's money that can put food on the table. In three weeks since its introduction, I can see that Labor's investment in bulk-billing incentives is working. It had already been working for pensioners, concession card holders and families with kids, and now it has been expanded for every Australian. The Albanese Labor government's $8.5 billion investment into Medicare will deliver an additional 18 million bulk-billed GP visits each year, hundreds of nursing scholarships and thousands more doctors in the largest GP training program ever.”
“I've spoken to lots of local doctors on the South Coast who are making the choice to switch their practice to be fully bulk-billing clinics. They are taking up the incentives because it's good for their business and, of course, good for their patients as well. Grand Pacific Health in Nowra and the Queen Street Medical Centre in Moruya were among the first on the South Coast to sign on to become fully bulk-billing practices. They want to make a difference in the community and want to help their patients, many of whom are older with multiple conditions or are young families feeling the cost-of-living pinch.”
“In good news, from 1 November more people in my electorate of Gilmore will be able to see their general practitioner for free. I know that, for too long, too many people have been paying too much out of pocket when they go to their doctor, and that's why I welcome the Albanese Labor government's expanded bulk-billing incentives for GPs. Labor are making the largest investment in Medicare since its creation to ensure people can afford to see their GP. The expanded bulk-billing incentive for all Australians plus the creation of an additional new incentive payment for medical practices that bulk-bill every patient mean nine out of 10 GP visits will be bulk-billed by 2030. I'm really thrilled that more than 20 GP practices in Gilmore have already switched to being Medicare bulk-billing practices; 11 were mixed-billing practices.”
“My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. How is the Albanese Labor government's record investment in bulk-billing making it easier for Australians to see a GP for free after a decade of cuts and neglect? What has been the response to these changes?”
“I'm also looking forward to the new Nowra Medicare urgent care clinic, which I know many people in my community are very much looking forward to as well, and I know that that's moving forward well. There is also the expanded hours for the Batemans Bay Medicare urgent care clinic, with the hours from 6 am to midnight, 18 hours a day—the longest of any urgent care clinic in the country. Labor created Medicare, and a Labor government will always strengthen Medicare.”
“We need more GPs in regional areas, and these expanded bulk-billing incentives help even more people in regional areas like mine. As at 27 October 2025, 21 GP practices in Gilmore indicated their intent to become a Medicare bulk-billing practice, with 11 of those being currently mixed-billing practices. From these expanded bulk-billing incentives, we've seen mixed-billing practices become full bulk-billing and more practices in total becoming full bulk-billing. Here's what John said: I already get bulk-billed. But I'm glad it's extending. When people can see a GP without having to sacrifice their children's nutrition or rent, it makes us all smarter. The Albanese Labor government has delivered the three largest increases in history, and now we're making the single largest investment in Medicare since its creation over 40 years ago.”
“That included Bomaderry Creek Health Centre, which has a new pop-up on their Facebook page that says: Bulk billing for all patients starting 1st November 2025 From 1 November 2025, there are no out-of-pocket costs for your GP visits at Bomaderry Creek Health Centre. How good is that? Recently, I also I met with GPs at the Queen Street Medical Centre at Moruya. They are also taking up the expanded bulk-billing incentive. They told me what a significant difference this will mean for patients and their practice. The 12.5 per cent additional incentive payment for bulk-billing every patient was also so welcomed. And the earnings boost is larger in regional areas like Gilmore, with a GP at a rural practice that bulk-bills every visit to earn almost $24,000 more than a mixed-billing GP for providing the same number of services.”
“They said: Healthcare made more affordable at Sussex Doctors! We're proud to be a Fully Bulk Billing Clinic, ensuring everyone in our community can access quality medical care. … … … … … … From general consultations to care plans, we're here to support your health at every stage without financial stress. At Sussex Doctors, your health is our priority and now, it's more accessible than ever. They said: More access. Less cost. Better care. It's hard to argue with that, so I shared that post and people started commenting about other local GP practices also moving to bulk-billing every patient for GP visits.”
“They are being welcomed by a whole host of GP practices in my electorate of Gilmore that are keen to also provide some relief for patients. I visited Grand Pacific Health in Nowra, one of the first medical practices in Gilmore to sign on to become a fully bulk-billed practice. This is what practice manager Charisse Morris had to say: This will make a huge difference. If people don't have to pay that gap for general consults, that's food in their mouth. When you have to prioritise food or health, that's a problem. I couldn't agree more. This is much-needed, real relief for people. Just before 1 November, posts started popping up on Facebook by GP practices in Gilmore and our Facebook community groups, like this one from the Sussex Doctors at Sussex Inlet on the New South Wales South Coast.”
“The first day of November 2025 was a great day. It was, of course, when the Albanese Labor government's expanded bulk-billing incentives kicked in, expanding bulk-billing incentives to all Australians and also with an additional new incentive payment for practices that bulk-bill every patient. It follows on from our very successful tripling of the bulk-billing incentive two years ago in 2023 for pensioners, concession cardholders and students. That proved very, very popular. We saw bulk-billing rates increase in particular for this cohort of people. I can honestly say that this makes a huge difference in people's lives. People are doing it tough, and we have always said that we will provide cost-of-living relief where we can. The changes on 1 November did just that.”
“And the Nowra bypass, after a decade of inaction from the Liberals, is in the early planning stage, with $97 million in federal funding. Whether it's providing more funding to help local councils with local roads or funding major roads projects, we're getting on with the job of fixing our regional roads.”
“When it comes to the larger road infrastructure projects, which I have been fighting for, they are either in construction or finally progressing well. I'm proud to be part of the Albanese Labor government that is getting on with these important regional road projects. You can't miss the construction progress on the Jervis Bay flyover, which now has the concrete girders in place to support the new bridge. Pleasingly the new bridge is set to be open by mid next year, making the intersection safer, with the project set for full completion in 2027. This was made possible with $100 million in federal funding. The Milton Ulladulla bypass is progressing well, with $752 million in federal funding. The Princes Highway duplication between the Jervis Bay turn-off and Tomerong is also progressing well, with $400 million in federal funding.”
“We pay our rates and taxes. The good news is we've also significantly increased funding for the Black Spots Program. This is a great program, which we've increased from $110 million to $150 million annually, supporting more life-saving road improvements across the country. All local councils in Gilmore have benefited from this program, and it's great to see more local roads being fixed under the Black Spots Program thanks to extra funding from the Albanese Labor government. The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is also a fabulous federally funded program that helps local councils with projects such as roads, community halls, parks and sports facilities, bike paths and playgrounds, and it's terrific to see lots of great road and community infrastructure projects being funded in Gilmore under this program.”
“I know locals in the Eurobodalla shire will be eagerly awaiting and thankful for those local roads being fixed with additional funds. Despite writing to Shoalhaven City Council in July this year, requesting to be provided with regular updates on the $40 million Shoalhaven local roads package—funding that I secured as an election commitment and delivered in the October 2022 federal budget—I remain disappointed that Shoalhaven City Council has not provided me with that information. I am bemused by how something so simple, to provide simple information direct to me and the public in a regular and transparent way, can be so difficult. I know constituents in Gilmore would like a simple description of each of the six roads to be fixed and the estimated timelines for each road and intersection to be fixed. It's not that hard.”
“This has already been baked into the budget and will remain at a high level into the future. This is a significant change which will provide more funding to local councils. I know that, in Gilmore, the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Kiama councils rely on this funding—and now it's increased funding—to help fix local roads. What I like about the Roads to Recovery Program is that councils determine which local roads are to be funded under the program, and there are some beautiful and important roads that have been fixed and are set to be fixed into the future. Just last week Eurobodalla council staff sent me their list of roads for 2025-26, and I can say it is an extensive list of local roads that is benefiting from this program. Well done, Eurobodalla council.”
“I love to talk about regional roads because I know how important roads are to people in my regional community. Everybody is talking about roads, even Cliff Hofman, who is a year 7 student at Bombaderry High School. Cliff won the Raise Our Voice competition in Gilmore, and last week I read out Cliff's speech in the Australian parliament. And you guessed it: Cliff's topic was about potholes and how he wants the local roads in the Shoalhaven to be fixed. I couldn't agree more with Cliff. That's why, after a decade of neglect by the former coalition government, the Albanese Labor government is delivering record investment funding for regional roads. Since coming to government, we've doubled the Roads to Recovery Program from $500 million to $1 billion.”
“My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. How are people in rural and regional Australia taking up the opportunities of clean, reliable energy? What are the threats to the best interests of rural and regional Australians?”
“When I drive around Gilmore, I'm immensely proud to see roadworks that I have championed completed or underway—major infrastructure projects like the Far North Collector Road, which was completed thanks to $35 million in federal funding, the Nowra bypass, moving forward with $97 million in federal funding, and the Milton Ulladulla bypass, which has $752 million in federal funding. These are some of Gilmore's big-ticket items, but just as important are the smaller road projects that are happening across my electorate thanks to federal funds. I'm deeply committed to addressing longstanding problems on local roads caused by extreme weather events and also future-proofing the local road network for expected population growth in the region. I will always fight for and deliver the road safety projects Gilmore locals want to see.”
“We've also established the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, which is addressing current and emerging priorities in road infrastructure needs. I drive rural roads every day, and I understand how important it is that they're maintained and upgraded to ensure we all get home safe every day. Living on the south coast, which has been hit hard by fire, floods and storms, I know firsthand how regional roads are impacted by natural disasters. Road safety is a top priority for people in my electorate, and that's why I have fought so hard to deliver more than $1 billion to get important road projects off the ground.”
“However, I am disappointingly finding it's impossible to get updates from the Shoalhaven mayor about the $40 million package I delivered three years ago, and the community is asking: when will our roads be fixed? Governments at every level need to invest in safety improvements and upgrades to keep up with growing communities. We're doubling the Roads to Recovery funding, money that goes straight to local councils to help fix local roads. As the Chair of the New South Wales Black Spot Consultative Panel, I'm so proud that the Albanese Labor government has significantly increased funding to the black spot program from $100 million to $150 million per year. I know how much this will help fix dangerous roads in our communities.”
“Building better roads takes time, and work on our rural and regional roads is never really complete. Just as one project is finished, another one gets underway. In my electorate, I was pleased to secure a special $40 million Shoalhaven local roads package to upgrade six key local roads in the region. That was in October 2022, three years ago, but still not a sod has been turned on any of these road projects. When it comes to fixing local roads, filling the potholes, repairing land strips and making them more resilient against future natural disaster, this government is handing out the money for local councils, and it's up to our councils to get the job done.”
“I pounded the pavement with local residents, petitioned, lobbied and worked with Vincentia Matters and I am proud to have delivered $100 million for this important infrastructure project. I have also secured $400 million to continue the Princes Highway upgrade to dual lanes from Jervis Bay Road South to Tomerong. I drive country roads every day as I travel the length and breadth of my electorate. It takes me over four hours to drive the hundreds of kilometres from one end of Gilmore to the other, with dozens of long winding local roads into 180 odd coastal and inland villages across the three local council areas of Kiama, Shoalhaven and the Eurobodalla. I know how important regional roads are, and I know the Albanese Labor government is committed to working with state and local governments to build and maintain them.”
“Just a week ago I was standing at the Jervis Bay Road turn off marvelling at the deck of the new flyover where 11 massive super T girders had been installed. It was an awesome sight to see the 28-metre long concrete girders, each weighing 47 tonne, that had been transported from Newcastle and craned into place during a week of night works. The bridge deck marks an exciting milestone for this intersection, which sees the highest volume of traffic on the Princes Highway between Nowra and the Victorian border. The intersection upgrade and overpass will transform travel along the New South Wales South Coast and provide a key link to Huskisson and surrounding villages. The milestone installation will allow the construction of the bridge to take shape with a mid-2026 completion target, and the project is on track for completion in 2027.”
“We're rolling out critical investments in renewable energy, because the sun and the wind don't send a bill, and we've acted to make the energy market fairer. Our new rules, coming into effect in 2026, will make sure retailers aren't ripping off customers, because Australians deserve a fairer go when it comes to their energy bills. We know there's more to do, but we're on the right track. We are acting on climate change now because the science is conclusive. I think the member for New England needs to wake up and face reality.”
“I'm so proud to live in a regional area where people are switched on and playing their part in the country's transition to renewables. Across Australia, there have been more than 90,000 rooftop solar panel installations since our Cheaper Home Batteries Program started on 1 July. How good is that? People in my region are certainly not furious about net zero. They're not angry and they don't think the path to net zero is a lunatic crusade. From 1 July this year, we've been rolling out billions of dollars worth of responsible support to build a stronger economy and deliver cost-of-living relief for Australians. The Albanese Labor government has taken strong action to provide energy bill relief to Australian households and businesses.”
“And this government has stepped up to help local councils with their massive repair bills time and time again. Finally, after a decade of inaction, we are taking meaningful action to address climate change. Climate change isn't something that will maybe, perhaps, happen in the future; it's something that is happening right now. It's something that has happened, and we are experiencing it. It's not going to go away, so we have to take action. The member for New England wants to take our country back to the Stone Age. That's not what the Australian people voted for on 3 May. The message was loud and clear at the last election. Australians are ready to seize the opportunities a renewable energy future has to offer.”
“Dairy and beef farmers, oyster growers and fruit and vegetable producers are all struggling after being hit by a string of fires, South Coast lows and rain bombs. Tell these farmers that the road to net zero is a lunatic crusade. Tell them our plan to reduce carbon emissions and reduce their energy costs by transitioning to renewables is treacherous. Record rainfall has led to dozens of landslips, closing roads and cutting off towns and villages across Gilmore for months. Farmers couldn't get their cattle out, and people couldn't get their kids to school. Families were isolated. Businesses suffered, especially those that rely on tourism, because people couldn't get there. Across my electorate, devastating downpours have wrecked our roads and footpaths. Seawalls have been destroyed, and bridges have literally washed away.”
“Climate change has had an absolutely devastating impact on my electorate of Gilmore. Lives were lost and hundreds lost their homes, businesses and livestock when the horrific Black Summer bushfires decimated the New South Wales South Coast in 2019-20. I challenge the member for New England to tell the people of Gilmore, who are still recovering, still rebuilding and still reliving those horrific weeks and months, that climate change and the road to net zero are a lunatic crusade. In recent years, we've not only been hit by fires; we've experienced record levels of rainfall and storm activity, resulting in flooding around our waterways and farmland. Homes have been inundated, crops and livestock have been destroyed, and farmers are still counting the costs from the relentless rain.”
“I rise to speak on the Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025. The member for New England has described this government's goal to reach net zero by 2050 as 'a lunatic crusade' and 'treacherous'. I think he needs to take a good look in the mirror, because that's where he will see someone that is, quite frankly, completely out of touch with regional Australia. This government's ambitious plan to tackle climate change will help all Australians, no matter where they live. The member for New England says that regional people are furious, but I say that he needs to open his eyes and look at the impact that climate change is having, with fires, floods and drought. Yes, people are hurting. Yes, farmers are hurting. Yes, small businesses are hurting. That's why we need to take action right now.”
“My question is to the minister for Climate Change and Energy. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering on its election commitment to help Australians with the cost of home batteries? Are there any risks to this policy?”
“That's why we've committed more than $2 billion in additional funding to strengthen our biosecurity walls since coming to office. As a farm girl through and through, I'm proud to be part of a government that is delivering for primary industry, regional communities and all Australians.”
“New data released by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences forecast that the value of agricultural production will rise to $95 billion this financial year. When you include our fisheries and forestry sectors, that figure rises to more than $100 billion. The Albanese government is opening up and diversifying trade opportunities, including through entering into a new free-trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates, which came into force on 1 October, and we're providing new pathways for our organic producers to export to Japan and India. These opportunities mean more jobs and economic security for regional communities. Of course, at the heart of a successful agriculture sector is also a strong biosecurity system to protect our farmers, our environment and our economy from pests and diseases.”
“We're backing farmers through the Agriculture and Land Sector Plan, backed by more than $2 billion in investment, to ensure our farmers and producers can confidently face our climate future. This is in addition to our other investments to support climate resilience and sustainability, including the $302 million Climate-Smart Agriculture Program, $87 million for the zero net emissions CRC and $60.8 million to support emissions reductions efforts. The Albanese Labor government is investing in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors and securing our food security for generations to come. The National Farmers' Federation has set a goal for Australia's agriculture sector to grow its farmgate output to $100 billion by 2030. By working closely with the industry, we are closer to that goal than ever before.”
“Farmers in my region have felt and are still feeling the impact of climate change, and they want real action. I'm proud that the Albanese Labor government is improving on-farm climate resilience to equip our producers with the tools, the knowledge and the support they need to adapt and thrive in the face of our changing climate. Our government is working hand in hand with farmers to ensure they get the support they need and where it's needed most. Supporting our producers through hardship is crucial, but so too is building a more resilient future. That's why we're broadening the scope to support climate resilience, productivity and the transition to net zero. We're providing $519 million for the Future Drought Fund to help communities manage climate risks through practical, locally led projects.”
“My family is lucky, through hard work, that that farm is still going. But I know there are farmers and food producers across our country facing these same struggles. As a regional member, I know how important our agriculture, seafood and forest industries are to towns on the New South Wales South Coast, to our country and to the world. I'm proud to say that I'm a member of the House Standing Committee on Primary Industries, which allows me to gain a more detailed understanding of issues that impact farmers and farming communities in all corners of Australia. Following the last few years, when relentless drought, unprecedented bushfires, floods and a string of coastal storms impacted my electorate, it's no surprise that the relationship between agriculture and climate change is something I am very passionate about.”