Planting roots in and greening this wide, brown land

By Joanna Cave, Chief Executive Officer 

Last week, after living in Australia for almost 14 years, I became an Australian citizen. I confess that I approached this milestone with some ambivalence. After all, I have called this wide, brown land home for a very long time and whilst keen to join the same immigration queue as my husband and son when we next travel, I otherwise regarded the ceremony as a process rather than an occasion.

I was surprised therefore to find myself rather moved by the proceedings.

My fellow “expectant Australians”, as we were called, were corralled together behind green and gold ropes whilst beaming friends and relatives stood behind us, willing us on. As the list of our nations of origin was read aloud, their sheer number impressing us all, an unexpected bond seemed to form between us and – unasked for – we all cheered one other when called up to receive our certificates. However, the moment that made most impact – and the reason why I am sharing this story with you - is that, upon achieving citizenship, we were each presented with a plant. Not a bottle of wine, or a box of chocolates or even a medal – but a plant!

This plant was, quite appropriately, an Australian native (in a 140mm pot, for those of you who want the full picture) and came with printed instructions for successful cultivation. It struck me that it was the perfect gift, symbolising our individual decisions to place roots here, with attendant aspirations that we will not only survive but thrive, along with a reminder that some effort is required to ensure success. At the end of the evening, I noticed that not one person, from small child to senior citizen, left their gift behind. We all seemed to understand the significance of looking upon this plant in years to come and recalling its significance.

Meanwhile the Albanese government appears to be leaning into the biosecurity debate. Agriculture Minister Murray Watt launched a new National Biosecurity Strategy at Canberra’s National Press Club this Tuesday. This strategy is an ambitious plan that aims to deal with “multiple risks, on multiple fronts, at the same time”. Whilst the risks that threaten livestock tend to dominate the headlines, Minister Watt was careful to mention horticulture in his announcement, referring particularly to the fast-spreading Xylella fastidiosa as a top-priority pathogen potentially affecting about 550 plant species.

Under the plan, the Federal Government aims to raise awareness, enhance surveillance and prioritise early detection programs. Planned reforms include a review of state and federal roles in the management of biosecurity threats in the future. At the launch, Minister Watt made it clear that the new plan needs to meet the challenges presented by the changing climate, including (in his words) “the harsh cycle of extreme drought and extreme rainfall”. Further, Minister Watt committed to be “the minister that works with industry, with workers and rural communities to tackle climate change”.

As always, I am keen to hear what you think and feel about any of the issues raised here or indeed elsewhere. Get in touch and let me know what is on your mind. You can reach me via e-mail: Jo.Cave@greenlifeindustry.com.au or mobile: 0468 368 961.

Regards,

Jo Cave

CEO – Greenlife Industry Australia