Labor People - Tony Burke

Tony Burke is the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Federal Member for Watson.

From day one, Tony said he would not simply take advice from the Department and peak industry groups, but would constantly meet with people who work the land, on their land.

In the time since becoming Minister, Tony has travelled more than 142,000 km across Australia, meeting people on farms and in the fishing and forestry sectors.

Since he became Minister, the Government has delivered major economic reforms to the bulk wheat export marketing system, reached agreements with Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and China to help tackle illegal logging and delivered improved trade market access for dairy, beef, horticulture and other industries.

The Government has also overseen the eradication of equine influenza and tripled the funding for climate change research to $46.2 million.

In addition, Tony initiated the Beale Review into the nation’s biosecurity system and work on possible reforms to the nation’s drought support system.

He believes Australia’s farmers, fishers and forestry workers are world leaders in driving productivity and sustainability.

By investing in infrastructure and research and expanding market access, Tony believes the Rudd Government will help to secure a profitable long-term future for our primary industries. 

In previous roles, Tony was appointed directly to the front bench on entering Federal Parliament and served as Shadow Minister for Small Business and Shadow Minister for Immigration.

He has also served as a Member of the NSW Legislative Council.
 

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