Brian Mitchell MP, Federal Member for Lyons has welcomed the announcement that the Albanese Government’s 2023-24 Budget has delivered $1.5 billion in new investment in agriculture including a Sustainable Biosecurity Funding model for the very first time in our nation’s history.
The new funding will help ensure agriculture is protected from short- and long-term threats like exotic pests, disease and climate change, as well as helping to grow the industry through access to more workers and overseas trade markets.
As well as the additional $1 billion for agriculture, funding continues for the rollout of key forestry initiatives including grants to improve innovation, a national institute of forest products innovation and plantation establishment grants.
“Australia’s booming $90 billion agriculture sector needs to be protected and given the tools to flourish – this Budget does just that to safeguard its premium status.” Mr Mitchell said.
“This puts an end to the year to year stop-gap, temporary funding from Coalition Governments, that placed our agriculture sector at risk.”
