News
August 25, 2025
Special Representative: Myth-busting and growing Australia's policy prowess
Su McCluskey shared the ins and outs of her now-defunded role.
Su McCluskey, former Special Representative for Australian Agriculture, recently shed light on the nuances and impact of her now-defunct position, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Australia's agricultural sector. Speaking candidly, McCluskey detailed her efforts to combat misinformation surrounding the industry and strengthen Australia's policy capabilities in this crucial area.
The role of Special Representative, now defunded, was designed to act as a bridge between farmers, policymakers, and the wider community. McCluskey explained that a significant portion of her work involved actively addressing common misconceptions about Australian agriculture. This included dispelling myths related to environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and the use of technology in farming practices. She emphasized the importance of evidence-based communication to foster a more informed public discourse.
"There's a lot of misinformation out there," McCluskey stated, "and it's crucial that we equip people with the facts so they can make informed decisions about the food they eat and the policies that affect our farmers." She highlighted specific examples where misconceptions had led to unnecessary regulations or hindered the adoption of innovative farming techniques.
Beyond myth-busting, McCluskey also focused on enhancing Australia's policy expertise in agriculture. This involved collaborating with researchers, industry experts, and government agencies to develop more effective and forward-thinking policies. She stressed the need for policies that support sustainable farming practices, promote market access for Australian agricultural products, and ensure the long-term viability of the sector.
While the defunding of the Special Representative role has raised concerns within the agricultural community, McCluskey remains optimistic about the future. She believes that the groundwork laid during her tenure will continue to benefit the industry. She urged stakeholders to maintain a commitment to open communication, evidence-based decision-making, and ongoing collaboration to ensure the continued success of Australian agriculture. The insights shared by McCluskey serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing misinformation and investing in robust policy development to support this vital sector of the Australian economy.
The role of Special Representative, now defunded, was designed to act as a bridge between farmers, policymakers, and the wider community. McCluskey explained that a significant portion of her work involved actively addressing common misconceptions about Australian agriculture. This included dispelling myths related to environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and the use of technology in farming practices. She emphasized the importance of evidence-based communication to foster a more informed public discourse.
"There's a lot of misinformation out there," McCluskey stated, "and it's crucial that we equip people with the facts so they can make informed decisions about the food they eat and the policies that affect our farmers." She highlighted specific examples where misconceptions had led to unnecessary regulations or hindered the adoption of innovative farming techniques.
Beyond myth-busting, McCluskey also focused on enhancing Australia's policy expertise in agriculture. This involved collaborating with researchers, industry experts, and government agencies to develop more effective and forward-thinking policies. She stressed the need for policies that support sustainable farming practices, promote market access for Australian agricultural products, and ensure the long-term viability of the sector.
While the defunding of the Special Representative role has raised concerns within the agricultural community, McCluskey remains optimistic about the future. She believes that the groundwork laid during her tenure will continue to benefit the industry. She urged stakeholders to maintain a commitment to open communication, evidence-based decision-making, and ongoing collaboration to ensure the continued success of Australian agriculture. The insights shared by McCluskey serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing misinformation and investing in robust policy development to support this vital sector of the Australian economy.
Category:
Politics