Australia's Agriculture Minister: Murray Watt (As of May 2022)

As of May 2022, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (formerly titled Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management) in the Australian Government is Senator Murray Watt.

Portfolio & Title

• Full Title: Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• Additional Role: Minister for Emergency Management
• Department: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)
• Sworn In: 1 June 2022 (Albanese Ministry)

About Murray Watt

• Senator for Queensland (since 2016)
• Australian Labor Party (Right faction)
• Background: Lawyer (Maurice Blackburn), union official (AWU), chief of staff to QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk
• Key Priorities: Biosecurity, trade market access, drought resilience, climate adaptation, live export reform, Indigenous agriculture, food security.

Recent Context (2022–2024)

• Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) & Lumpy Skin Disease preparedness (Indonesia outbreaks 2022).
• Live sheep export phase-out legislation (election commitment).
• National Biosecurity Strategy (2023).
• Horticulture & wine export growth to India, UK, EU via new FTAs.
• Drought policy reform — moving from in-drought support to preparedness.

Previous Ministers (Recent)

How to Verify Current Minister

Australian ministries change with elections and reshuffles. Always check the official source:

• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) → "About us" → "Ministers"
• Prime Minister's Ministry List
• Senator Murray Watt - Parliament Profile

Note: This information is current as of mid-2024. For the absolute latest, consult the official links above.