Key issues including the fuel and fertiliser crisis, water pricing, insurance stamp duty, the protection of the Condamine Alluvium, and the potential for a new cotton gin in North Queensland were discussed at the Annual Cotton Australia Board and Queensland Government Ministers dinner in Brisbane last week.

Hosted by Cotton Australia Chair Liz Stott with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli in attendance, the dinner brought together a wide cross-section of Ministers, Assistant Ministers, the Speaker, local members, staffers, Cotton Australia Board members and staff, and Queensland Farmers’ Federation CEO Jo Sheppard.

An annual event, the dinner provided an opportunity for guests to get to know each other and better understand the key issues facing government and the cotton industry.

Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray said Cotton Australia has long recognised the value of strong relationships with decision-makers, regardless of political persuasion.

“When you actually know someone, it is a lot easier to have open and frank discussions when situations arise,” Mr Murray said.

Later in the week, Michael Murray and Cotton Australia Senior Policy Officer Paul Sloman met with Queensland Shadow Ministers for Agriculture, Water and Energy, where they briefed the Opposition on key issues and exchanged views on a range of topics.