QUEENSLAND farmers has called on recycled minister Bill Byrne to be a strong advocate for agriculture, both in the community and in the cabinet room.
AgForce president Grant Maudsley said he hoped Mr Byrne's appointment would now bring some stability to what was one of the most important positions in the Cabinet.
Mr Byrne’s appointment follows the departure of disgraced Bundaberg Leanne Donaldson, who quit cabinet after stunning revelations she had not paid almost $8000 in council rates and had driven an unregistered vehicle.
Mr Byrne, who was agriculture minister for 10 months until December last year, was promoted to the police, fire, and emergency services and corrective services portfolios.
"A strong agricultural sector underpins a strong Queensland economy, with a State Government report out this week putting the value of our primary industries at more than $18.5 billion in 2016-17," Mr Maudsley said.
"Global demand for our high quality food and fibre is growing rapidly, and can continue to grow strongly - but only with the right policy settings from governments.
"AgForce established a good working relationship with Bill Byrne when he was previously Agriculture Minister, and we acknowledge both his and Leanne Donaldson's efforts in helping to secure stamp duty exemptions for farmers passing down the family farm to the next generation.
"We urge Minister Byrne to champion the needs of people in the bush both publicly and behind the closed doors of Cabinet to ensure agriculture continues to prosper into the future."
Mr Maudsley said Mr Byrne would need to hit the ground running to bed down live issues in his new portfolio.
"Minister Byrne needs to work closely with his department and industry to ensure primary producers on the tick line have the support they need to defend the integrity of the line," Mr Maudsley said.
"It's vital the Minister provides clear messages about the need to maintain a high standard of biosecurity and to ensure its importance is recognised across the community.
"We would also urge the Minister to ensure funding for wild dog fencing gets out on the ground as quickly as possible, and that grants announced in the Budget to help farmers access financial advice are rolled out as a priority.
"With welcome rain in many parts of Queensland and good commodity prices in many sectors, there is a real momentum in agriculture that can be maintained if governments at all levels throw their support behind an industry that is the backbone of so many of our regional communities."
