Water and environmental policy were top of the agenda during Cotton Australia’s political engagement in Canberra this week. 

Cotton Australia Chair Liz Stott, Board members Daniel Kahl, Gavin Dal Broi and April Cavanagh, along with CEO Adam Kay and General Manager Michael Murray spent the past few days in Canberra conducting a range of meetings with senior government ministers, members of the Opposition and key water agencies. 

Meetings were held with Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins, Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt, Assistant Minister for Agriculture Anthony Chisholm, Minister for Northern Australia Madeleine King, Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan, and Shadow Ministers for Agriculture and Water Darren Chester and Michael McCormack.  

The visit included a dinner with Minister Collins and her key advisers and Minister Watt's water adviser, as well as a breakfast with Mr McCormack and his water adviser.  

Discussions focused on several key issues for cotton growers, including the EPBC Act and water policy, with a particular focus on the Murray-Darling Basin Review. 

Cotton Australia representatives also received detailed briefings from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder on the Basin Plan Review, as well as updates on the Menindee Lakes Review and river operations. 

The meetings provided a valuable opportunity to reinforce the cotton industry’s priorities and maintain constructive engagement with federal decision-makers on issues affecting growers and regional communities.