Speeches
Tuesday, 05 August 2025
Australian Women in Agriculture National Conference
I am pleased to join you for the 2025 Australian Women in Agriculture National Conference welcome event.
Many of you have travelled considerable distances to be here, from regional South Australia, interstate and overseas.
It’s great to see women from right across the agriculture sector come together, and I encourage you to make the most of the networking opportunities.
I had no hesitation in accepting Cressida’s invitation to join you this evening because the agricultural sector contributes so much to Australia’s national life and our economic prosperity.
Throughout my career as a diplomat, I have seen women generously supporting each other, and sometimes mentoring and sponsoring each other as well, and I hope that some helpful and long-lasting links may be forged this evening, in addition to the valuable policy discussions I know you will be having.
Recent years have posed a range of considerable challenges to Australia’s agricultural sector, such as drought, bushfires and floods and your president’s conference program foreword notes the need to navigate climate resilience and reshaping leaders in agriculture
Here in South Australia it has been tough too, with the current algal bloom along the coastline – including here at Glenelg – presenting new challenges not just for us, but for Australia and the world.
Before the recent rain we’ve had a long period of extremely dry conditions, which have been confronting to see on my travels around the state.
Difficult times require resilience, strength and ingenuity, and the rural women I’ve met demonstrate these qualities in spades.
As patron of the Country Women’s Association and the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Societies of South Australia and through my regular regional visits, I am privileged to witness what rural women achieve, especially when they work together to achieve a common goal.
As Governor, gender equity and leadership are two of my priorities, and I’m pleased to see the number of women working in agriculture is growing.
The number of women with management responsibilities, with influence, with the capacity to make important decisions – is also increasing, as it should.
While there is a significant way to go in terms of gender parity, I encourage you to celebrate the gains that have been made.
You’ve achieved considerable success, including in your “Women on Agricultural Boards” pilot and I am confident there’s a lot more to come.
Of course, you don’t need to wait for an official leadership position to be a leader. You can claim the role for yourself by looking for ways to improve your industry and implementing them.
As Governor, I’ve engaged with SheFarmer, founded by South Australian Rachel Titley, who supports ambitious rural women in business reach their goals.
I’ve seen how women on Eyre Peninsula have been at the heart of response and recovery in and around Kimba with the creation of Workshop 26.
Last month I attended the 10th anniversary dinner for Australian Women in Wine, founded by Jane Thomson.
She saw an opportunity to advance women within her industry and now chairs an organisation which gives women winemakers and viticulturalists a collective voice to help address sexism, pay disparities and other discriminatory challenges.
And of course, Australian Women in Agriculture is another great example.
From modest beginnings in 1994, you’ve gone on to become an organisation with hundreds of members and influence at the national level.
I thank Australian Women in Agriculture for tirelessly encouraging, mentoring and advocating for its members.
Transforming what is into what should be is not easy, nor straight forward, and I thank your board, staff, members and supporters for their commitment to the cause.
I trust this conference will be productive and enjoyable for you all.
In keeping with this year’s conference theme, I look forward to watching Australian Women in Agriculture, and its members, continue to ‘grow futures’ and ‘break barriers’.