It was a pleasure to open the Henty Machinery Field Days 2026.
Australian farmers feed our nation, create jobs, earn export income and keep regional towns alive but they are being squeezed by rising costs and decisions made by people in Canberra who are far removed from the consequences.
Farmers need secure water, sensible regulation, reliable infrastructure and services, and practical access to only genuine seasonal, PALM, skilled and backpacker labour while we train Australians first.
Regional Australia should be a place where young people can stay, work, buy a home, raise a family and carry the farm into the next generation. We will keep fighting for productive farms, strong communities and some common sense in Canberra.