A CABINET reshuffle ahead of the next federal election has seen a number of ministers change departments, including agriculture minister Murray Watt.
Julie Collins was sworn in as the new minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry on 29 July. She also remains the minister for small business.
Mr Watt, who was the minister for agriculture since June 2022, has taken over from Tony Burke as minister for employment and workplace relations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese intimated that some of the reshuffling came about as a result of two MPs, Brendan O’Connor and Linda Burney, deciding to retire.
“While my government’s leadership team remains unchanged, the decision three colleagues have taken to step down creates an opportunity for others to step up” Mr Albanese said.
In an announcement welcoming her new position, Ms Collins said agriculture plays a vital role in Australia.
“Our national economy continues to rely on a strong and diverse sector,” she said.
“As a representative of so many incredible farmers in my own electorate, I am committed to engaging and listening to our rural communities and representing Australia’s farmers.
“I look forward to continuing the good work of my colleague Senator Murray Watt, alongside my role as Minister for Small Business, and congratulate my colleague Senator Anthony Chisholm on his new role as Assistant Minister for Agriculture.”
Mr Watt’s tenure was responsible for a number of decisions that directly affected Australian trade, most recently in May this year when he announced that seaborne live sheep exports would be banned from May 2028 onwards.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Watt spoke on his title change: “It’s been a pleasure working with the people in DAFF & NEMA as well as some incredible stakeholders.
“Over the past two years I’ve been privileged to work with the Agriculture and Emergency Management sectors, most notably to strengthen our biosecurity system, open new markets and invest in long term disaster resilience.”
