BCCM congratulates Senator the Hon. Bridget McKenzie on appointment as Minister for Agriculture

27 May 2019

Minister McKenzie is the first woman to hold the portfolio and will serve as minister in addition to her duties as Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Mutuals and Co-operatives

The Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals is pleased to congratulate the new Minister for Agriculture, Senator the Hon. Bridget McKenzie on her appointment to the Morrison Government’s Cabinet.

Melina Morrison, CEO of BCCM said, “Minister McKenzie has been a long-standing advocate for the co-operatives and mutuals sector and brings a strong understanding of the needs of farmers and producers who use a member-based business model to her new role.”

“As Deputy Leader of the National Party and Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Mutuals and Co-operatives, the Minister has a proven commitment to engaging widely with the rural and regional producers who benefit from co-operative business structures. The Minister’s record of backing these community-minded business models is a great sign for producers across the country that further reforms will be coming.”

Ms Morrison said, “Agriculture co-op exports make a huge contribution to Australia’s balance of trade. By managing the Agricultural portfolio, the Minister will be well-placed to undertake further work to unwind the red tape that is holding back the sector, including the need for consistent regulations across state and federal jurisdictions.”

In its Blueprint for an Enterprising Nation, BCCM highlights the importance of providing better access to markets for independent Australian farmers who use a co-op model.

Ms Morrison said, “By expanding the agricultural sector’s access to global export markets, co-ops and mutuals will prove to be an increasingly competitive model on the world stage.”

“The BCCM is delighted that such a firm supporter of our community-minded business models will play a significant role in the new Government and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the Minister to achieve necessary reforms that will level the playing field for co-operatives and mutuals,” Ms Morrison said.