Mr Tony Burke MP, Member for Watson (NSW)
Tony Burke is the Minister for Sustainable Population, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Federal Member for Watson.
From day one, Tony said he would not simply take advice from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and peak industry groups, but also through meetings with people who work the land, on their land.
Since becoming Minister he has travelled more than 150,000 km across
Australia , meeting people working on farms and in the fishing and forestry sectors.
His achievements so far include the eradication of equine influenza and reforming the nation’s biosecurity system.
He has delivered major economic reforms to the bulk wheat export marketing system and overseen nearly 50 trade market access wins, including in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Pacific and
Africa .
Mr Burke is working to finalise the details of reforms to the nation’s drought support system, to help farmers better prepare for the future.
He believes Australian farmers, fishers and forestry workers are world leaders in driving productivity and sustainability.
On-farm investment is critical to boost productivity, which is why Mr Burke has already delivered more than 8,500 FarmReady training grants to farmers and 64 industry grants.
On Saturday, 3 April 2010 Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced Tony Burke would be appointed
Australia ’s first Minister for Population. He was made Minister for Sustainable Population on the 28th of June 2010.
Mr Burke has begun an extensive consultation process, which will include all levels of government and the community.
For the first time, the Government will be looking at the challenges and opportunities of population growth, including infrastructure, water, environmental, housing and health needs.
In previous roles,
Tony was appointed directly to the front bench on entering Federal Parliament and served as Shadow Minister for Small Business and Shadow Minister for Immigration.
He has also served as a Member of the NSW Legislative Council.
Mark Davis published a profile piece about Tony in the Sydney Morning Herald: Link to article (SMH)
Click here to read Tony's First Speech in Federal Parliament.
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