10 September 2024. Georgie Somerset, AgForce General President.
LNP Leader David Crisafulli's announcement last week of 100 additional biosecurity officers should the party form government - is a game changer for our industry.
It's significant beyond the farm gate too - representing a breakthrough on a critical issue for every Queenslander.
Our ongoing food security relies on strong biosecurity to protect Queensland's $23.6b rural sector. And this is the crucial boost it needs to do that effectively in the face of growing threats.
This commitment also highlights the importance of our industry conference in Brisbane on October 1 and 2, where AgForce is bringing together industry leaders, politicians of all persuasions and media representatives to better ensure every Queenslander has a clear understanding of their ballot box choices and how it may impact their food security.
Advocacy is a long form game, and one where crucial events and moments must be seized with both hands if we are to maximise the opportunities for industry.
AgForce has been lobbying all sides of politics for years to lift their investment in biosecurity, and we now take this opportunity to challenge other parties to follow the strong lead set by the LNP on this pivotal issue.
The polls show we have a real contest on our hands. Investing in attending conference is one way all of us involved in agricultural industries can use a moment in time to leverage our collective futures.
This week AgForce launches its online election platform - another piece we have put in place to influence these opportunities and bring it all together at conference.
With some big wins under our belt this year particularly on the Great Artesian Basin, strong progress on the Great Barrier Reef with the release of the 2022 Reef Consensus Statement, and now this announcement, AgForce has momentum in our favour.
Let's use that to get more done - by having as many of you as possible at conference to make another step change possible. Hope to see you there.
