House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources

House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources
Name	House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources
Chamber	House of Representatives
Jurisdiction	Agriculture and water resources
Type	Standing committee

House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources is a parliamentary committee of the Australian House of Representatives (Australia), tasked with scrutiny of policy and administration related to agriculture in Australia, irrigation, and linked resource management. It operates within the framework of the Parliament of Australia, interacts with agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Australia), and informs legislators including members of the Liberal Party of Australia, Australian Labor Party, and the National Party of Australia. The committee's outputs influence statutes like the Water Act 2007 and programs administered by bodies such as the Murray–Darling Basin Authority.

History

The committee traces roots to specialist select committees active during debates over the Wheat Industry Stabilisation Act 1914 and subsequent rural policy deliberations in the early 20th century, evolving alongside inquiries into the Snowy Mountains Scheme, the Murray River interventions, and responses to pest outbreaks such as Myxomatosis and Australian plague locust. Institutional development accelerated after reforms following the 1975 Australian constitutional crisis, with iterations reflecting shifts in Australian regional representation involving figures like Earle Page and John McEwen. Its mandate expanded following environmental controversies linked to the Murray–Darling Basin Plan and international trade disputes before bodies such as the World Trade Organization and during negotiations like the Australia–United States Free Trade Agreement.

Roles and Functions

The committee conducts inquiries, takes submissions, and prepares reports impacting agencies such as the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. It examines legislation referenced in bills introduced by ministers like the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources (Australia) and assesses implementation of treaties such as the Ramsar Convention. The committee vets programs funded through portfolios related to the Department of the Environment and Energy (Australia), scrutinises investments in infrastructure like the Snowy 2.0 project, and evaluates responses to biosecurity crises involving organizations such as the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.

Membership and Structure

Membership comprises Members of the Australian House of Representatives drawn from party room nominations including the Australian Greens where applicable, reflecting proportional representation of parties such as the Liberal National Party of Queensland, United Australia Party (2013), and independents similar to Rob Oakeshott. Standing orders of the House of Representatives (Australia) define chairing arrangements, reporting deadlines, and administrative support provided by the Parliamentary Service of Australia and committee secretariats. Committees often call expert witnesses from institutions like the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, the Australian National University, and industry bodies including the National Farmers' Federation and GrainGrowers Limited.

Inquiries and Reports

The committee has undertaken high-profile inquiries into topics such as drought policy responses following events like the Millennium Drought, water recovery programs associated with the Murray–Darling Basin Plan, and biosecurity threats exemplified by incursions of Foot-and-mouth disease in planning scenarios. Reports have addressed trade matters relevant to exporters negotiating with markets like China–Australia relations, supply chain resilience highlighted during disruptions comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, and technology adoption issues tied to innovations from CSIRO initiatives. Its findings have been cited in debates alongside work from agencies such as the Productivity Commission and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Legislation and Policy Impact

Recommendations from the committee have shaped amendments to statutes including the Biosecurity Act 2015 and influenced funding allocations tied to federal budgets introduced by treasurers such as Josh Frydenberg and Jim Chalmers. Its scrutiny informs implementation of basin-specific measures negotiated with state governments of New South Wales, Victoria (Australia), South Australia, and Queensland, and engages with intergovernmental forums such as the Council of Australian Governments. Outputs affect export regulations overseen by agencies like Export Finance Australia and contribute to policy dialogues involving the Australian Farmers' Federation and international partners including the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Meetings and Procedures

Meetings are scheduled under the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives and may be public hearings held in committee rooms adjacent to the Parliament House, Canberra or via virtual platforms used during contingencies like the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. Proceedings can call submissions from stakeholders such as state departments of primary industries (for example, NSW Department of Primary Industries), research centres like the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, and advocacy groups including World Wide Fund for Nature Australia. Transcripts and reports are tabled in the Parliament of Australia and may prompt referrals to other committees such as the Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth.

Category:Parliamentary committees of Australia Category:Agriculture in Australia Category:Water management in Australia