Bridget McKenzie elected new federal ag minister

Victorian senator Bridget McKenzie has been appointed to the role of Minister for Agriculture in the 46th Parliament as Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced his new ministry yesterday following the Coalition’s election win on May 18.

McKenzie’s appointment made history as she was the first female ever to assume agriculture's top job.

However, her predecessor, David Littleproud, will keep the Water Resources portfolio as well as Drought, Rural Finance, Natural Disaster and Emergency Management.

On Sunday, shortly after her appointment, McKenzie expressed on Twitter that she’s “honoured to be appointed as Minister for Agriculture” in the new Government and she looks forward to working with a “fantastic industry” and hopes to help the farming sector achieve its goal of becoming a $100 billion industry.

McKenzie is currently the Nationals Deputy Leader and has been a Nationals senator for Victoria since 2011. She previously held the positions of Minister for Sport, Rural Health and Regional Communications.

The National Farmers Federation (NFF) has welcomed the new ministry, especially the appointment of McKenzie to the helm of the agriculture portfolio.

"Senator McKenzie has been a long-time vocal and effective advocate for regional and rural Australia," said NFF President, Fiona Simson.

"Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles in our industry,” Simson added, who was elected in late 2016 as NFF’s first female president.

“The significance of having a female in agriculture’s top job can’t be overstated."

Simson said the NFF had worked closely and successfully with McKenzie in her former roles.

"Senator McKenzie has an in-depth understanding of the challenges, and also the phenomenal opportunities, before our regions and the policies and investments agriculture needs to reach its potential.

"We welcome Senator McKenzie’s support for industry’s goal to be a $100 billion industry by 2030."

The organisation also thanked Littleproud for his contributions to the agricultural industry during his time in office, which included putting an end to $1 per litre milk and improving the regulations governing the export of live sheep to the Middle East.

“We look forward to the momentum continuing on these important initiatives with Minister McKenzie and to working with Minister Littleproud on seeing the continued implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan," Simson said.

In other portfolios closely related to agriculture, Simon Birmingham retained his role as Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment; while Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack was re-appointed to lead the Regional Development and Transport Ministry.

Angus Taylor kept his role as Energy Minister, while Mark Coulton took over from Bridget McKenzie as the new Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government.

Sussan Ley was appointed to take on the Environment portfolio with a focus on practical and local environmental outcomes as well as waste reduction and recycling.