Council
21 February, 2025
Stone the crows! NSW Ag Minister Moriarty appoints first statutory Ag Commissioner!
New NSW Ag Commish appointed
IN a historic and arguably necessary move for New South Wales amid the mounting pressure on besieged NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty, the Minns Labor Government has announced the appointment of Alison Stone as the state’s first statutory Agriculture Commissioner in a belated bid to reconnect with rural communities many believe have been forgotten.
With over 40 years of experience across primary industries, Stone’s new role will involve providing independent advice, conducting reviews, and making recommendations to the NSW Government on critical agricultural matters such as productivity, land use conflict, and food security.
Publicly, this appointment follows through on a commitment made during the state election and a piece of legislation passed last year, marking a significant step forward in the government’s support for farmers and the agricultural industry. Behind the scenes though, this appointment has been a long time coming as the disconnect between the Minns ALP government over issues ranging from roads, telecommunications, housing, policing and youth crime through to land clearing have become a hot topic of debate just over two years until the state returns to the polls no later than March 27, 2027.
“NSW farmers and the agricultural sector are crucial to the state’s economy, and having a dedicated, independent voice like Alison Stone will ensure their interests are properly represented,” said Tara Moriarty, NSW Minister for Agriculture.
“Alison’s proven track record in both the public and private sectors, along with her extensive experience in agriculture, makes her the perfect person to take on this important role.”
Stone’s career spans a diverse range of expertise, including 25 years as a farmer herself. Her background also includes policy roles in Land, Natural Resources, Forestry, Heritage, and Wildlife, as well as experience in disaster resilience and response. Stone led the co-design process for the Disaster Wise Communities Network and has served on various influential councils, including the NSW Regional Advisory Council and the Victorian Fisheries Co-Management Council.
As the Agriculture Commissioner, Stone will serve an initial three-year term, during which she will focus on several key initiatives:
· Assisting the NSW Government in developing a system for identifying and mapping agricultural lands across the state.
· Progressing the pilot of a Farm Practices Panel to address conflicts between agricultural producers and their neighbours.
· Providing advice on the impact of renewable energy infrastructure on agricultural land.
· Promoting collaboration between the Commonwealth, state, and local governments on agricultural matters.
· Working alongside the Net Zero Commissioner to ensure a cohesive approach to policy-making.
Stone emphasised that her role will be about more than just advising the government; it will also be about driving real, on-the-ground outcomes for the agricultural sector.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our state,” Stone said.
“My role is to collaborate with government, landowners, and industry leaders to ensure NSW has a strong and prosperous agriculture sector. I’m particularly focused on ensuring that agricultural land is protected while balancing the priorities of renewable energy and housing development.”
This appointment is part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader efforts to secure a prosperous future for regional communities and farmers. Along with the establishment of the Agriculture Commissioner, the government has already made significant investments in agriculture, including the creation of the $400 million Regional Development Trust Fund and a historic $947 million investment in biosecurity protection.
Minister Moriarty also pointed to the recent appointment of Dr. Marion Healy as the first Independent Biosecurity Commissioner as further evidence of the government’s commitment to safeguarding agriculture in NSW.
“I look forward to working alongside Ms. Stone and our farming communities to champion agriculture, protect valuable agricultural land, and build a resilient agricultural sector,” Moriarty said.
Stone’s appointment signals an exciting new chapter for agriculture in NSW, as the government continues its work to ensure the industry remains vital, sustainable, and future-proofed.
“I’m honoured to be appointed as the first statutory Agriculture Commissioner,” Stone said. “Together with the government and industry leaders, I look forward to supporting and growing the agricultural sector for generations to come.”
Whether this appointment translates to more help for our Mallee farmers or if it is just another kicking of the can down the road exercise remains to be seen. We wait with baited breath.
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