Former Labor agriculture minister Joel Fitzgibbon urged the Albanese government to enhance its climate policies by integrating the agricultural sector more effectively into its strategy. Speaking at the Sir John Crawford Memorial Address in Canberra on October 16, 2023, Fitzgibbon emphasized the need for a more imaginative approach to tackle climate challenges, particularly as Australia faces a decline in productivity and food security.
Fitzgibbon highlighted that the agricultural and land sectors should be prioritized in Labor’s climate change response. “We can be a global leader in soil health and carbon sequestration,” he stated. He noted that a significant issue is the lack of political understanding regarding agriculture, which often leads to a narrow focus on renewable energy solutions. He argued that this focus diminishes public trust in the government’s clean energy transition.
The former member for Hunter criticized the current climate framework, describing it as rife with “greenwashing, rent-seeking, unrealistic targets, and ultra-optimistic views about emerging technologies.” He called for a broader approach that includes adaptation and sequestration methodologies alongside traditional mitigation efforts. Fitzgibbon suggested that Labor could improve its stance by lifting the country’s “ill-considered” prohibitions on nuclear energy, increasing carbon capture and storage initiatives, and extending the operational life of some coal generators.
Julie Collins, the current Agriculture Minister, has indicated that the rollout of Labor’s national food security strategy, known as Feeding Australia, is essential for her tenure. Nevertheless, Fitzgibbon pointed out that the government has yet to engage agriculture in national security discussions adequately.
He also emphasized the potential benefits of reducing methane emissions from cattle through innovative methods such as utilizing asparagopsis, a type of seaweed. Furthermore, he noted the viability of producing crop-based biofuels and sustainable aviation fuels from non-food cover crops like Carinata, which are currently hindered by rising land prices.
In discussing Australia’s agricultural landscape, Fitzgibbon remarked that less productive farming areas could be repurposed for tree planting, thus improving soil health and contributing to carbon sequestration. He stated, “More trees not only means more sequestration, it means better soil health, better animal welfare and improved on-farm ecosystems.”
Fitzgibbon also pointed out the exciting opportunities presented by advancements in breeding technologies, allowing for rapid changes that can enhance productivity in both the beef and dairy sectors. He lamented the lack of attention from policymakers on these technologies, noting that financiers are overly focused on outdated solutions like wind turbines and solar panels.
He stressed the need for a recalibration of Australia’s climate policy, arguing that existing regulations often hinder productivity. Fitzgibbon remarked, “The heavy hand of government regulation is choking Western economies and suppressing growth in capital stock.” He called for more certainty for investors in carbon farming and food production innovations to facilitate sustainable growth.
As the geopolitical landscape evolves, Fitzgibbon believes it is crucial for Australia to build its sovereign capabilities, particularly in food security. He warned that current climate policies do not adequately address these challenges, making the mission to secure food supplies increasingly difficult.
The government is attempting to address these issues, with Minister Collins affirming the importance of the national food security strategy. Yet, Fitzgibbon expressed concern that agriculture still lacks a permanent seat at the national security table.
He urged policymakers to enhance Australia’s capacity to deter potential aggressors through effective policy choices that may require difficult trade-offs. He stated that discussions around climate policy should be central at the upcoming economic roundtable hosted by Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
Fitzgibbon also criticized Labor’s emphasis on large-scale renewables while neglecting nuclear energy. He argued that the ban on uranium mining should be reconsidered to allow the market to decide its place in Australia’s energy future. He expressed skepticism over the current energy policy, stating, “Having both enormous reserves of uranium and a ban on nuclear energy is not rational.”
In reflecting on the current state of carbon capture and storage technology, Fitzgibbon highlighted its underutilization by the government. He noted that while critics claim carbon capture is ineffective, they often endorse other technologies that are not yet viable, such as green hydrogen and green steel.
He concluded by acknowledging the necessity of extending the operational life of coal generators beyond what is ideal, citing the approval for BHP to continue operations at its coal mine in Mt Arthur until 2030. Fitzgibbon emphasized, “A stable energy grid will help us accelerate the transition to a lower-carbon world.”
Labor announced in July 2023 plans to create six sectoral decarbonization strategies, aimed at reducing the national carbon footprint. The first plan, which is intended to cover agriculture, was anticipated to be released by late 2024. However, it has faced delays, attributed to external factors impacting the government’s ability to finalize its climate targets.
As Australia navigates these complex challenges, the need for a cohesive and inclusive climate policy that recognizes the critical role of agriculture remains clearer than ever. Fitzgibbon’s insights could serve as a catalyst for necessary policy shifts that align environmental and economic goals, ensuring a sustainable future for Australian agriculture.
