Member for Northern Tablelands and NSW Minister for Primary Industries and Western NSW Adam Marshall acknowledged it was a difficult time to take over the agriculture portfolio, but said it was also an opportunity to review drought assistance measures.
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As a matter of priority I'll be reviewing the drought assistance measures that are on the table at the moment ...
- Adam Marshall Minister for Primary Industries
"Given my experience and background ... I've got a good grounding for this portfolio and seen some very diverse agricultural operations throughout my Electorate," he said.
"As a matter of priority I'll be reviewing the drought assistance measures that are on the table at the moment, and looking to take forward a new suite of programs into the future.
"It's important we not only provide assistance on-farm, but given the huge impact the drought is having on communities, making sure we've got supports in place for post-farm gate, for our country communities as well. Our businesses and a lot of others are really feeling the pinch."
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Another priority area Mr Marshall said he wanted to get into fairly quickly was the issue of the farmer's right to privacy and biosecurity on their properties.
"Making sure farmer's interests are being protected through the relevant State planning processes as well," he said.
He said NSW Primary Industries and the Western NSW portfolio would certainly experience some common matters at times.
"Western NSW is a big chunk of our state. There's a unique set of issues for those rural and remote communities in the far west of the state," he said.
I can tell you, water issues are incredibly, incredibly complex ...
- Adam Marshall Minister for Primary Industries
"I'm really looking forward to using the power of the [Western NSW] portfolio, and the voice it has around the cabinet table, to also to play a prominent role in the better co-ordination in State Government service delivery in some of those more remote rural areas in the State.
"A lot of those communities continue to fight and strive to maintain the basic services and facilities."
Mr Marshall said the urban and rural water portfolio was under the control of Melinda Pavey.
"I think the separation of the two portfolios is a good decision. I think most people will be very happy with that," he said.
"It allows me as the agricultural Minister to concentrate on primary industries and allows someone to concentrate on water issues.
"I can tell you, water issues are incredibly, incredibly complex, and I think it's good having two people looking at those two areas deeply, making sure both those areas are looked after properly by two individual Ministers."
