Minister for Agriculture (New South Wales)

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Minister for Agriculture (New South Wales)

The New South Wales Minister for Agriculture runs the state’s agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, state forests, biosecurity and crown lands. The current minister is Tara Moriarty, who has held the role since 5 April 2023. She also serves as Minister for Western New South Wales. The minister works through the Regional NSW cluster, including the Department of Regional NSW and the Department of Primary Industries, and is answerable to the Parliament of New South Wales.

Formation and history: The position began on 28 February 1890, with Sydney Smith as the first holder (then called Secretary for Mines and Agriculture). The portfolio was renamed Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries in 1981 to cover oysters and fisheries (fisheries had previously been part of the Minister for Conservation). It was renamed Primary Industries in 2004. The Minister for Rural Affairs existed from 1988 to 1993, was re-established later, and was abolished again in 2011 with its responsibilities merged into Primary Industries.