GPA ELECTION WEBINAR: TONY WINDSOR & HOW TO NAVIGATE MINORITY GOVERNMENT

By Grain Producers Australia Chief Executive Colin Bettles

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) is calling for government support for positive policy initiatives and investments to help boost the productivity and performance of Australian grain producers. 

And supporting Australian grain producers, by backing GPA’s 2025 Federal Election Policy Priorities, can also strengthen the multiple shared benefits that are delivered, across the Australian grains industry, and our economy, environment, and rural communities. GPA 2025 Election Policy Priorities HERE 

GPA’s election policy roadmap provides politicians of all persuasions – no matter which party they’re a member of, major, minor or independent – great opportunity to recognise potential to boost productivity growth and value for our $32 billion-plus grains industry, and expanded delivery of these shared benefits. 

Looking further ahead at the May 3 poll, everyone wants to know: ‘who will win government, or lose it, at this year’s election?’ 

It’s an extremely complex question that’s hard enough to answer by itself, without the added turbulence and chaos of the global economic tsunami, caused by Trump’s Global Tariff Wars, launched during the election campaign. 

This added uncertainty is now front of voters’ mindsets shaping the key question of whether Labor can win government again, or the Liberals and Nationals can claim enough seats to force a change. 

Recent polling results, however, clearly show another minority government is on the cards, after May 3 – and there’s a very high percentage of undecided voters, waiting to see which horse to back, on race day. 

So, what does all this complexity and turmoil mean for the nation and the future fortunes of Australian grain producers and the farm sector? 

It’s impossible to accurately predict what’s ahead during such chaotic times, but we’re forced to try. 

To help inform our thinking and share knowledge, GPA is hosting a special webinar (Wednesday 23 April 2025 at 7pm AEST), featuring former Independent New England MP Tony Windsor. 

This online event will also be hosted by award winning journalist, and former federal parliamentary press gallery member and National Press Club Board Director, Tim Shaw. 

Mr Windsor is well known for his pivotal role in the Hung Parliament from 2010-2013, but his experiences extend far beyond that unique chapter in Australian political history. 

First and foremost, he’s also a grain producer working the land and helping run the family farm, in Northern NSW. 

During GPA’s webinar, he’ll share thoughts and stories about his time as an Independent Rural MP, holding the balance of power with the casting vote in a minority government, from 2010-2013. 

He’ll also speak about how the numbers in Federal Parliament have evolved since then, with an expanded cross-bench, comprising more independent and minor party representatives.  

This increased middle ground is a significant feature of the House of Representatives, Federal Senate – and it has also shaped the composition of many State Governments, over the past two or three decades. 

This webinar is an excellent opportunity to hear from someone who not only has lived this incredible experience, at the very centre of decision-making in a minority government, but doing so with the benefit of his lived experiences as a farmer, and representing a rural electorate. 

GPA conducted a similar webinar in September last year, giving stakeholders opportunity to engage on an important topic, sharing expert knowledge and information HERE to help them develop accurate and informed submissions, to the APVMA’s paraquat and diquat reviews. 

As was the case then, the webinar will also be recorded and re-shared for others to view, at a later time. 

Whilst Mr Windsor may not want to predict the final outcome of the May 3 election, he will share invaluable insights and knowledge about the political processes that will need to be followed, in the event a minority government needs to be negotiated after May 3 – and what might happen after that. 

What we in Australian agriculture choose to do with this knowledge and insights, as leaders of our farming peers and communities, to shape a better future, in acting for the greater good, is ultimately ours to decide. 

But as Mr Windsor stated, at his retirement press conference in 2013, ‘The World is run by those that turn up’ – so be sure you turn up, to GPA’s webinar. 

Questions can also be submitted in advance to GPA directly HERE 

Who: Tony Windsor – Tim Shaw – Grain Producers Australia  

What: How to Navigate Minority Government  

Where: Online Webinar – Register HERE 

When: Wednesday 23 April 2025 – 7pm AEST 

This article was first published on The Land, 14 April 2025: HERE