Regional NSW critical path to election victory

A federal election victory will require careful wooing of key seats in regional NSW, according to NSW Farmers CEO Pete Arkle.

Among the toughest contests will be Gilmore, Dobell and Hunter, Mr Arkle said, after analysing predicted swings across the country.

“Obviously this puts regional issues and agriculture in the box seat in terms of policies,” he said.

“Our members tell us they’ve got some major concerns, including:

• improving biosecurity

• building better infrastructure

• implementing ACCC recommendations on competition policy reform

• conquering the digital divide, and

• biodiversity stewardship programs.

“It’s important to remember farming means food on plates, so every Australian has a stake in a stronger agriculture sector, and we will be reminding both sides of this.”

Mr Arkle said politicians had an opportunity to truly invest in building a stronger agriculture sector, which would in turn help lift the economy out of its COVID-sized hole, but warned simple sloganeering would not cut it.

“Farmers are expected to give up water for the environment, land for solar panels and paddocks for biodiversity offsets!” Mr Arkle said.

“It’s critical they are properly financially compensated for doing this work.

“Agriculture is already doing a lot of heavy lifting, we can’t be expected to run if you keep placing burdens on us.”

Mr Arkle said real growth for the sector would require concerted effort and clever policies.

“It makes good economic sense to back agriculture to drive recovery, and we need strong export industries to address structural deficits and restore the national balance sheet!” Mr Arkle said.

“In terms of exports for NSW alone, one dollar out of every seven comes from agriculture – there’s huge potential to grow this even more.

“For NSW Farmers, we will be here to offer practical solutions that build a better ag sector, and in turn a better economic recovery.”

/Public Release. View in full here.