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I’ve stood on the bridge of the Fisheries portfolio before, watching the charts, reading the soundings, and warning the captain that reefs lay ahead. As a former Chief of Staff to a Fisheries Minister, I recognise the signs when a government vessel starts taking on water and the crew pretend it’s just spray over the bow. WA is again steering toward the same rocks: science shouting from the crow’s nest, lobby groups whispering on the bridge, and politicians tightening the sails to catch votes instead of heeding the compass. Now Captain Jackie Jarvis has the helm. We will see whether she keeps a steady course guided by evidence or follows her predecessor into the shallows of cheap populism and political drift.

Long-suffering readers know my refrain: Western Australia can build stadiums, museums and Metronet tunnels, yet still cannot build a permanent home for its agriculture department. Call it DPIRD or the old Ag Department, or—as I prefer—the Department of People, Inclusion, Re-education and Diversity. Titles change, logos change, ministers change. The reality stays the same.

The 50th Maldon Folk Festival from Friday 31 October to Monday 4 November was fulfilling and full, according to Festival Director Pam Lyons. The town was packed with music, musicians and good vibes. “It’s been really great. I think we’re at capacity,” Pam said on Sunday evening. “Apparently, the ice cream & fudge shop has sold out. I wouldn’t be surprised if all the food vendors have sold out!”

Unique wetlands in Victoria's Wimmera are getting a helping hand thanks to the local community. Conservation organisation Trust for Nature, supported by the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and the Victorian Government, is working with landholders to protect and manage wetlands on their properties.

On Saturday the town and district looked like a disaster zone. After the first storm super cell went through, it doubled back striking again and again. Many windows and skylights smashed, solar panels were severely impacted...

TasFarmers says the 2025-26 State Budget is “what it is", steady and without surprises, with no new taxes and no change to agricultural policy. TasFarmers says the budget highlights the need for stronger leadership and meaningful reform to safeguard the state’s productive economy.

“This facility sits within a few hundred metres of the proposed Avonbank Heavy Mineral Sands Project. It is dependent on a constant and reliable supply of production from Victoria’s potato growers, who are currently at risk of having their production impacted by the proposed VNI West transmission project”: VFF President Brett Hosking.

The Tasmanian Government’s significant investment in health, education, housing, and law and order has been outlined in today’s 2025-26 interim Budget. This is a fiscally responsible budget that will continue to deliver the services that Tasmanians expect and deserve.

A key panel session at the Digital Agrifood Summit exploring Denmark's proposed carbon tax on agriculture has highlighted the need to avoid simplistic comparisons between Australian and European models. GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said the summit, attended by leaders across agriculture, technology, and policy, prompted robust discussion about the relevance and risks of similar mechanisms in the Australian context.

Australia's export-oriented crocodile industry depends on public opinion in foreign countries and the actions of legislators in those countries. This is the industry's primary problem. Two secondary problems arise from this. Australia's crocodile industry has too little economic potential, and lobbying regulations in Australia are too imperfect for Australian farmers to quickly follow global trends.

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Hope has turned to disappointment for cash supporters nationwide as consultation on the government’s ‘watered-down’ cash mandate exposure draft regulations closes Friday 7 November ... “The promised mandate is more restrictive than initially proposed with medications, utilities, telecommunications services, and other items no longer considered essential": NSA CEO Chris Grice.

Pakistan has approved market access for Genetically Modified (GM) canola from Australia. Australia is a trusted and reliable supplier of canola to Pakistan, with non-GM canola exports valued at $506 million in the last financial year – making Pakistan one of Australia’s top markets for canola. 

Horsham Rural City Council has welcomed Victorian State Government approval for the establishment of a $300 million food manufacturing plant in Dooen. Farm Frites specialises in frozen potato products.

Victorian Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence has launched public consultation on proposed new legislation, inviting Victorians to share their priorities for the industry, what’s working under current laws and ideas for improvement. 

Members of the local Aboriginal community gathered on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River at Koori Beach Narrandera for a Welcome Baby to Country celebration on Wiradjuri land. Around 20 babies from Narrandera and Leeton aged 0–12 months and their families attended the ceremony.

Inspired by motherhood, rural living, and community care, the Back Road Artists' Eclectic Harmony exhibition will be on display at Rosalie Gallery in Goombungee from Wednesday, 12 November to Sunday, 14 December.

Cohuna's 150 Year Anniversary opened with a packed house at Memorial Hall on Friday night. The walls of the hall were lined with an array of past fashions, hospital history, sporting memorabilia, and historical photos.

The Victorian Labor Government is claiming critical minerals will develop jobs and regional growth and boost local economies. Mine Free Glenaladale and the community it represents in East Gippsland disputes this claim by the Government, as there is a high probability existing jobs and industries would be adversely affected by a proposal of a mineral sands mine 25 kilometres west of Bairnsdale.

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