The NSW Government has admitted it has no modelling, no contingency planning, and no legislative framework to protect agriculture if fuel supply disruptions threaten food production.
During Budget Estimates questioning, the Minister for Agriculture confirmed the Government has undertaken no state-level modelling on the impact of fuel shortages on agriculture, despite growing global instability and rising diesel prices immediately following the conflict involving Iran.
The Minister also confirmed she has not raised the issue with the Federal Government, stating farmers had not yet contacted her department about the issue.
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party Upper House MLC Mark Banasiak said the responses reveal a worrying lack of preparedness for a sector that is fundamental to Australia’s food supply.
“Agriculture runs on diesel. Without it, tractors stop, irrigation stops, harvest stops and food stops moving,” Mr Banasiak said.
“Yet the NSW Government has admitted it has done absolutely no modelling and has no plan to ensure farmers can access fuel during a supply disruption.”
During questioning, the Minister acknowledged fuel disruptions pose a risk to regional NSW and food security, but confirmed the Government currently has no state resources or policy framework in place to address the issue.
Mr Banasiak said the Government’s response was to simply pass responsibility to Canberra, rather than taking steps to protect the state’s agricultural sector.
When asked what the Government is doing about this, the answer was essentially that they will wait and support what the Federal Government does.
“Food security is national security, and the idea that agriculture would simply have to wait in line during a fuel disruption should concern every Australian.”
The Minister also confirmed there is nothing in NSW legislation recognising food production or food security as a priority in emergency situations.
Mr Banasiak said the revelations raise serious concerns about the state’s preparedness to protect regional industries during global shocks.
“We are talking about the sector that feeds this country and drives regional economies.”
“Farmers cannot simply pause planting or harvesting while governments figure out who is responsible.”
“Agriculture must be recognised as essential infrastructure and prioritised when it comes to fuel supply.”
Mr Banasiak said the Government must urgently work with the Commonwealth to ensure primary production is prioritised during any fuel supply disruption.
“The reality is if farmers cannot access diesel, Australians cannot access food from the land on which it was formed.”
Media Release: Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party Upper House MLC Mark Banasiak
