❓ Question regarding the Minister's plan to support the agriculture industry, followed by a response outlining priorities, efficiency dividends, and a shift towards an economic development agency model. The response also criticises the previous government's lack of investment in agriculture.
AnsweredQoN 274Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY — DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
Considering that agriculture contributes more than $8 billion to the Western Australian economy, will the minister advise what he is doing to ensure that his department is in the best possible shape to support this vital industry? Mr D.T. REDMAN
Considering that agriculture contributes more than $8 billion to the Western Australian economy, will the minister advise what he is doing to ensure that his department is in the best possible shape to support this vital industry? Mr D.T. REDMAN
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question and also for his acknowledgement of the role played by agriculture in the success and prosperity of the state. Eight billion dollars is a substantial amount, and we need to strongly recognise that agriculture makes a significant contribution — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : Since picking up the ministerial role, the first three or four months were focused — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will come back to the member in a minute! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr D.T. REDMAN replied: I thank the member for the question and also for his acknowledgement of the role played by agriculture in the success and prosperity of the state. Eight billion dollars is a substantial amount, and we need to strongly recognise that agriculture makes a significant contribution — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : Since picking up the ministerial role, the first three or four months were focused — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will come back to the member in a minute! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
I thank the member for the question and also for his acknowledgement of the role played by agriculture in the success and prosperity of the state. Eight billion dollars is a substantial amount, and we need to strongly recognise that agriculture makes a significant contribution — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : Since picking up the ministerial role, the first three or four months were focused — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will come back to the member in a minute! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : Since picking up the ministerial role, the first three or four months were focused — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will come back to the member in a minute! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : Since picking up the ministerial role, the first three or four months were focused — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will come back to the member in a minute! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : Since picking up the ministerial role, the first three or four months were focused — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will come back to the member in a minute! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr M.P. Murray interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will come back to the member in a minute! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will come back to the member in a minute! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr D.T. REDMAN replied: I thank the member for the question and also for his acknowledgement of the role played by agriculture in the success and prosperity of the state. Eight billion dollars is a substantial amount, and we need to strongly recognise that agriculture makes a significant contribution — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : Since picking up the ministerial role, the first three or four months were focused — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will come back to the member in a minute! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
I thank the member for the question and also for his acknowledgement of the role played by agriculture in the success and prosperity of the state. Eight billion dollars is a substantial amount, and we need to strongly recognise that agriculture makes a significant contribution — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : Since picking up the ministerial role, the first three or four months were focused — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will come back to the member in a minute! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : Since picking up the ministerial role, the first three or four months were focused — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will come back to the member in a minute! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : Since picking up the ministerial role, the first three or four months were focused — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will come back to the member in a minute! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : Since picking up the ministerial role, the first three or four months were focused — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will come back to the member in a minute! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr M.P. Murray interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will come back to the member in a minute! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will come back to the member in a minute! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : In the first four months, my office has been focused on setting clear priorities for this government; that is, clear priorities out of my office for the agency and for the industry to set a vision for agriculture in Western Australia. We have not taken the task lightly. We have laid out a plan. I articulated that plan to rural media three weeks ago, and I did so more recently at the WAFarmers conference. That plan is on paper, and industry now has a chance to have a look at and clearly understand where this government is going. I have set five clear overarching strategies and a number of tactics that will support this government’s vision for agriculture in Western Australia. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Collie-Preston! Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : We understand that all agencies are required to produce a three per cent efficiency dividend, and the Department of Agriculture and Food is not exempt from doing that and will certainly deliver on that dividend. However, in order to deliver on these priorities, I am asking for a significant shift in the focus of the Department of Agriculture and Food to become what I call an economic development agency. That involves a substantial shift in resources to support this government’s priorities for agriculture in Western Australia. Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Sometimes the best decisions are made in tough times. I think, under these sorts of conditions — Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : We have seen eight years in which the former government did not prioritise agriculture. In real terms, investment in agriculture has gone down. The former government had successive $2 billion surpluses and what did it do for agriculture? Agriculture was not even on the radar! The Liberal-National government, from the Premier down, has put a priority on agriculture. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : The best I can get out of the member for Collie-Preston is a little bit more hot air. He said on ABC Radio that — … the Ag Department will become city-centric with managers relocating back to the city where the research officers are, while there’ll still be some field offices. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, members to my left! Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : He continued, saying — But the way I see it there’d be many people put out of work and the main area of research will be in Perth and that’s where the managers will be. That is visionary—absolutely visionary! That is the best the opposition can come up with. This government has laid out its priorities and given direction to industry. This government, out of my office, has given direction to enable the Department of Agriculture and Food to be set up as an economic development agency to support and grow both Western Australian industry and state prosperity. I make no apologies about that. I make no apologies for redirecting resources. The best decisions are made in tough times, and this government is going to make some good decisions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order! I know the member for Collie-Preston is very interested in the subject but might I suggest that he ask questions of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I formally call the member for Collie-Preston for the first time.
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