Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP
Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm
The Albanese Labor Government is today kicking off the development of a new national food security strategy, with consultation opening on the Feeding Australia discussion paper.
Key priorities outlined in the discussion paper include resilient supply chains, productivity, innovation and economic growth, and competition which will help shape the scope of the Feeding Australia strategy, with submissions on the paper open until 24 September.
Supported by $3.5 million in the 2025-26 Budget, progressing this election commitment will build on work the Albanese Labor Government has already undertaken to improve food security and the Australian food system.
All Australians benefit from improved food security and Feeding Australia will be developed with all Australians having the opportunity to contribute, including our proud farmers and producers.
Australia is a food secure nation, serving our domestic needs and our international trade partners, with around 70 per cent of all agricultural production exported.
While Australia has a world class food system, supported by strict food safety and biosecurity measures, we cannot afford to be complacent, or to ignore the new and emerging challenges facing our food and supply chains.
The Government is also opening an expression of interest process to fill positions on the new National Food Council, which will advise government on the development of the strategy. Applications will be open until 10 September.
The skills-based council will be made up of members with considerable knowledge and experience from across our food system, ensuring Feeding Australia is a comprehensive plan for our nation's future.
To have your say on the discussion paper to inform the strategy or to find out more about the expression of interest process for the new National Food Council, visit: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/food/national-food-security-strategy.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
"Our food system is a national asset, but we can't afford to be complacent, which is why the Albanese Labor Government is ensuring we protect and strengthen Australia's food security.
"We have listened to farmers and the community who have called for government to work with industry to set out a vision for Australia's food system, because we understand the importance of addressing underlying challenges facing our food security.
"Ensuring we get the priorities of Feeding Australia right is incredibly important, which is why I encourage our farmers, producers, regional communities and other stakeholders in the food supply chain to provide their input into this discussion paper.
"When our food and supply chains are secure, it can help reduce financial strain on households, ensures our farmers benefit from domestic and international trade, and that Australia is well positioned to support countries that rely on our world-class products."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:
"Through Feeding Australia, the Albanese Labor Government is protecting Australia's impressive record in agriculture, ensuring that we not only meet our domestic food requirements, but that we continue to support our trade partners.
"Developing this strategy with people from our cities through to our regions, particularly our farmers, will ensure we have a comprehensive roadmap that safeguards Australia against global supply and demand pressures, climate change and other risks.
"This is another way the Albanese Labor Government is ensuring we get better outcomes for our farmers, our regional communities, and our consumers."
