New Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Darren Chester has flagged food and fibre security as a matter of national importance.
Speaking after the Nationals’ revised Shadow Ministry was announced, Mr Chester said he would work closely with
industry groups and regional communities to strengthen the resilience, profitability and sustainability of Australia’s primary industries.
“Our nation has an extraordinary heritage in primary production, and all levels of government need to work with this diverse sector to secure future opportunities,” he said.
Mr Chester highlighted the reliance of Australia’s agricultural sector on imported
critical inputs such as fuel, fertiliser and pesticides, warning that supply chain disruptions could affect farmers’ capacity to feed Australians and support export markets.
“Household budgets are already under pressure, and families can’t afford the price shocks associated with these failures,” he said.
He urged the Albanese Government to fast-track a National Food Security Strategy, backed by strategic investments to boost productivity and strengthen supply chains.
“Industry warned the government four years ago about
the risks of not having a coordinated plan.
This must now form part of Australia’s national security planning,” he said.
Mr Chester said he would tour the country to meet farmers, fishers and forestry operators, focusing on securing key inputs, expanding market access and reducing production costs.
“Localism is critical. We need to listen to communities, trust their insights, and tailor
solutions to their unique challenges,” he said.
He also expressed support for the Nationals’ recently introduced Prime Agricultural Land Protection Bill 2026, aimed at safeguarding prime farmland from productivity loss, foreign control and displacement by industrial projects.
“We must protect our prime agricultural land as part of the National Food Security Strategy,” he said, criticising state
policies that allow industrial-scale energy projects on productive farmland.
Mr Chester reaffirmed his commitment to defending primary industries from extreme environmental campaigns.
“We have the capacity to sustainably manage our own forests, grow our own food and fibre, and achieve positive social, economic and environmental outcomes without relying on overseas resources,” he said.
The Gippsland MP, who has 18 years’ experience representing a diverse farming and forestry region, said he would continue to advocate for practical policies that support Australian farmers, fishers and forestry
workers, ensuring industries remain vibrant, profitable and nationally secure.
