Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay has used an opportunity to question the Labour NSW Minister for Agriculture and regional NSW about the impact of the water buybacks, part of the federal government’s water amendment bill.

Mr Kay and Communications Manager – engagement, Darrin Davies represented growers at the annual NSW Farm Writers Christmas lunch, attended by Minister Tara Moriarty as the host and patron of the Association.

The Minister addressed the crowd in the Strangers Restaurant of Parliament House and then took questions from the floor.

Mr Kay asked the Minister her views on the Bill that recently passed through the Senate and also questioned her understanding of the financial impact that water buybacks would have on the very communities she represented.

The Minister said her government made it clear they didn’t support forced buybacks, was mindful of the impact and would continue to discuss the issue with the federal government.

The event also recognised rural writers for their contribution to the greater understanding of issues impacting on farming families and communities.