Julie Collins has retained the agriculture, fisheries and forestry portfolio.

TASMANIAN MP Julie Collins has retained the agriculture, fisheries and forestry portfolio in Prime Minister’s cabinet reshuffle after the Labor Party’s landslide federal election win.

Queensland senator Anthony Chisholm has also retained his role as assistant minister in the portfolio.

In other appointments of importance to Australian farmers, Don Farrell has retained his trade and tourism portfolio and will also continue as Special Minister of State.

The new Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations will be South Australian MP Amanda Rishworth and Chris Bowen retains the climate change and energy portfolio.

Murray Watt will become the Minister for Environment and Water and Madeleine King will be the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia.

Mr Albanese said he will recommend his new ministry to the Governor-General Sam Mostyn to be sworn in at 9am tomorrow, to followed by a full ministry meeting in Parliament House.

Mr Albanese said the Labor Government now had the largest caucus since federation.

“A caucus brimming with capacity talent and energy in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.”

He said the government now had an “extraordinary opportunity to put in place the agenda that we put forward positively to the Australian people.

“An ambitious agenda to change this country for the better.”

NFF welcomes president David Jochinke said Ministers Collins and Chisholm brought valuable experience and a sound understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities.

“We need strong leadership to tackle the big issues facing farmers, and that work must start now,” he said.

The NFF also congratulated Don Farrell on retaining the trade portfolio, and welcomed the appointments of Murray Watt to environment and water, Anika Wells to communications, Tim Ayres to industry and innovation, and Amanda Rishworth to employment and workplace relations. The NFF also congratulated Dr Andrew Leigh who will continue as Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury.

Mr Jochinke said early engagement with Ministers would be crucial.

“We’re calling on the Prime Minister and Minister Collins to visit drought-hit regions within the government’s first 30 days.

“Farmers are doing it tough and they need to see leadership on the ground,” he said.

“Minister Farrell has done an outstanding job working for farmers in trade.

“As we continue to face trade disruptions, we look forward to continuing to work with him on access to key markets,” Mr Jochinke said.

“We look forward to working with Minister Watt to better understand the government’s plans on environmental regulation, water and nature repair, which have huge implications for landholders.

“Minister Watt developed a strong understanding of farmers’ needs during his time in the agriculture portfolio,” he said.

“We expect he’ll bring that insight to his new role.”

Mr Jochinke said the NFF was also ready to partner with the government to progress a right to repair for agricultural machinery, a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation and the National Food Security Strategy.

“Our goal is clear – to grow Australian agriculture into a $100 billion industry by 2030.

“We need strong partnerships across Government to make that happen.”

Mr Jochinke said the NFF will continue to work with the Opposition and crossbench to make sure the needs of regional Australia are front and centre.

Other cabinet posts and ministerial appointments include deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles; Penny Wong, foreign affairs; Jim Chalmers, Treasurer; Katie Gallagher, finance, public service, women and government services; Tony Burke, home affairs, immigration and citizenship, cyber security and the arts; Mark Butler, health and ageing, disability and the NDIS; Cathy King, infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government; Jason Clare, education; Michelle Rowlands, Attorney General; Tanya Plibersek, social services; Clare O’Neil, housing and homelessness and cities; Malarndirri McCarthy, Indigenous Australians; Annika Wells, communications and sport; Pat Conroy, defence industry and Pacific Island affairs; Anne Aly, small business, international development and multicultural affairs; Tim Ayers, industry and innovation and science.