Opening of the 2023 Perth Royal Show, Claremont Showground, Western Australia

[E&OE]

I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Noongar People of the Whadjuk Language Group, and pay my respects to their elders, past and present, emerging leaders and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders gathered here today.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. 

It is a real thrill for Linda and me to be in Perth for the opening day of the 2023 Perth Royal Show.

The Military Guard, Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, Blessing of the Crops and the National Anthem have set the scene for what will be a successful and memorable show.

Congratulations to all involved.

One of the things I love most about royal agricultural shows is that, literally, there is something for everyone.

Whether it be food, produce, agricultural practices, rides, farm animals, an outback horse spectacular — there is so much to experience.

One in four people in Australia go to a show in a region or to a Royal show in a capital city.

That is a big number, and so it should be.

In the last financial year, agriculture, fisheries and forestry was worth $76 billion in exports to Australia — an enormous sum.

This is an important industry for our country. 

Beyond the numbers, it is an industry of mums and dads, mates and neighbours, all of whom work hard. 

This show provides the opportunity for us to come together. 

For those who don’t live and breathe farming, work the land, sheer the sheep or check the weather religiously, to understand the incredible highs and challenges of rural life.

I have one tip for the day: talk to exhibitors.

Stop and look, yes. But if you have the chance to stop and talk, take it.

Take the chance to connect and learn. 

Ask about the impact of weather on agriculture in Australia.

What does it mean when there is a drought?

Ask exhibitors about the highs and lows of rural life.

What is it like living on a rural property? 

What does it mean for their kids' education?

Ask about the changes in technology that have been introduced over the last decade. They’ve revolutionised our farms. 

The tech has changed.

The tinkering, innovative nature of our farmers, though, hasn’t — give them a problem and they’ll find a solution.

Finally, ask why these shows are so important.

Yes, it’s about showcasing agricultural produce, but it’s also about coming together and learning and appreciating. And being stronger as a result.

One of the things I love about rural communities in Australia is their grit and determination. 

I visited Cloncurry in 2019 after the devastating floods, when people had lost almost everything. A farmer said to me, 'We’re not afraid of hard work, just give us a good season…’

That’s us. That’s our rural communities. It’s also the people who live in cities. 

It’s Australians — we’re not afraid of hard work, we’ll get the job done and we’ll look after each other as we do it. 

That’s what this show invites you to understand.

So, please, take this opportunity to connect and get to appreciate each other.

The Perth Royal Show has always been about people and community.

It is Western Australia’s largest community event and, each year, brings people together — to meet up, to share in the joy of a family day at the show, and to celebrate the achievements of the agricultural and food industry.

Again, it is a great delight for Linda and me to be here today.

I particularly want to thank the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia.

What you see today is the result of much planning and many hours’ hard work.

To see families out and about enjoying themselves and soaking up the community atmosphere is just fantastic and a credit to all involved.

It is now my great pleasure to declare the 2023 Perth Royal Show open.

[Ends]