New Parliamentary Friends of Soil group

A Parliamentary Friends of Soil event was held at Old Parliament House this week to help raise the importance and relevance of soils and soil health in Australia. The event was arranged by members from both sides of the House in preparation for World Soil Day on Saturday 5 December 2020.

TMI CEO Gary Nairn, Board member Martin Royds and Research Coordinator Luke Peel were invited to attend with speakers including Deputy Prime Minister and group co-chair Michael McCormack who mentioned his 2018 visit to the Mulloon Institute, National Soils Advocate Penny Wensley, Agriculture Minister David Littleproud, and Labor MP and group co-chair Linda Burney.

All honoured the amazing work and legacy of previous Soil Advocate Major General Michael Jeffery who retired in August 2020 after eight years in the role. The new ‘General Jeffery Soil Health Award’ was announced in honour of his work and to recognise the innovative work being done to improve soil health in Australia. Nominations open on 5 December 2020 and individual farmers, land managers, extension specialists and educators are encouraged to apply.