The first woman to be appointed Federal Minister for Agriculture in 2019, Senator McKenzie was joined by the Member for New England Barnaby Joyce and about 20 guests in the New England Regional Art Museum.

Following a short speech, Senator McKenzie answered questions alongside Mr Joyce, covering topics such as national and state politics, border closures, diplomatic relationships with Australia's near neighbours, and the vast potential of rural and regional Australia.

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Earlier in the day, Senator McKenzie, who resigned as Minister for Agriculture and deputy leader of her party in 2020 following the revelation that she awarded a $36,000 grant to a regional Victorian shooting club without declaring that she was a member, visited the Armidale Pistol Club with Mr Joyce and then a local building business.

An avid sporting shooter herself, Senator McKenzie discussed opportunities she is taking in Parliament to educate others about the sport. She is a regular host of the Parliamentary Friends of Shooting event, where Members, Senators and members of the Canberra press gallery visit the range to learn more about the sport and have the opportunity to use a firearm.

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Later Senator McKenzie and Mr Joyce toured the Uniplan modular home production facilities in Armidale. The visit coincided with the Nationals Manufacturing 2035 plan released earlier this year which outlines The Nationals' vision for the manufacturing industry and broad policy platform to encourage industry growth.

After lunch, Senator McKenzie and Mr Joyce attended the opening of the new sporting facility at New England Girls School with Member for the Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall.

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