RICHARD MARLES MP
 DEPUTY LEADER OF THE AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY
 SHADOW MINISTER FOR NATIONAL RECONSTRUCTION, EMPLOYMENT, SKILLS AND SMALL BUSINESS
 SHADOW MINISTER FOR SCIENCE

CATHERINE KING MP
 SHADOW MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

SUSAN TEMPLEMAN MP
 MEMBER FOR MACQUARIE

An Albanese Labor Government will help build the Western Sydney University Agri Tech Hub, bringing the next generation of agriculture skills, training and jobs to the heart of this growing region.

This new Agri Tech Hub will focus on creating jobs, attracting industry, and developing a sustainable approach to future outer-suburban farming on a local and global scale.

Today, agriculture employs 2.5 per cent of our workforce and accounts for 12 per cent of Australia’s total exports.

To help the sector grow even more into the future, we have to invest in skills, training and research. We know that every $1 of public investment in research and development leads to $12 in benefits generated by farmers in the long term.

That’s why an Albanese Labor Government will invest $16.7 million to deliver the essential enabling infrastructure to get this project off the ground.

Not only will this investment create 1,380 jobs during construction, it will create up to 240 ongoing jobs and drive continued innovation and growth in Australian agriculture.

Only an Albanese Labor Government will invest in the drivers of economic and agricultural growth, creating new jobs in Western Sydney and growing Australia’s economy.

“This announcement is a big win for our community," Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman said.

“The Hawkesbury is the beating heart of peri-urban farming in NSW. Our region has a rich tradition in food production and land management, and this initiative opens up opportunities for 21st Century agri-tech.

“Not only will our investment create thousands of new jobs, it will train the next generation of agricultural workers and carry out essential research. This is also expected to generate more than $30 million of economic activity for the surrounding region”

“This is exactly what Labor Governments do, grow our economy, create secure local jobs and train the next generation of Australian workers.”

Richard Marles, Deputy Leader of the Australian Labor Party, said “Susan has been fighting for her community, and standing up and providing a strong voice.