Born and bred in Gundagai, Mick Veitch’s career has taken him from Tumut to Young and then NSW Parliament where he continued to tirelessly advocate for regional and rural communities. Photo: Mick Veitch/Facebook.
Mick Veitch stepped into the role of chairman of AgriFutures Australia this week, bringing with him a lifetime of ties to rural Australia – from his upbringing on a Gundagai family farm to decades of leadership in community, politics and regional affairs.
Educated at Adelong Central School and Tumut High School, Mr Veitch went on to work as a shearer, railway station assistant and a disability worker, experiences that grounded his understanding of regional industries and communities.
Veitch’s broader political ambitions took shape early with his membership of the Labor Party, which he joined in 1989.
He became secretary of the Young branch and served as a delegate to the NSW and national conferences, embedding himself in party structures while maintaining a focus on rural issues.
His move into public life began in Young, where he became involved in local advocacy and political organisation before being elected as an independent councillor on Young Shire Council in 1995.
He was re‑elected in 1999 and again in 2004, serving three terms and developing first-hand experience in local government, infrastructure planning and community services.
In 1998 he stood as the Labor candidate for the federal seat of Hume, a long-standing safe seat for the Liberal-Nationals coalition, where he was unsuccessful but gained valuable campaign experience.
During this period he also served as executive officer of the Wiradjuri Country Community Group and then the general manager (growth and strategy) of Job Centre Australia, adding organisational and strategic experience to his rural roots.
In addition, Veitch was deputy chair of the Southern Area Health Board, gaining deeper insight into service delivery challenges in regional NSW.
In 2007, Mr Veitch was elected to the NSW Legislative Council, beginning a 16-year parliamentary career.
During that time he held senior roles including Deputy Government Whip and Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Industries, and later served on the opposition front bench with responsibilities spanning regional and rural affairs, trade, infrastructure and investment.
He also sat on numerous parliamentary committees, maintaining close engagement with agricultural policy and regional development.
Although he was not returned to parliament following the 2023 state election, Mr Veitch’s career has remained closely aligned with primary industries and regional policy, experience that now underpins his appointment as chairman of AgriFutures Australia.
AgriFutures Australia is the nation’s rural research and development body, supporting innovation, productivity and sustainability across farming and regional industries.
The organisation works with producers, researchers and communities to develop new technologies, emerging industries and programs that strengthen agriculture and create opportunities for rural Australia.
Mr Veitch’s appointment follows the completion of outgoing chair Cathy McGowan’s three-year term.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry minister Julie Collins said Mr Veitch brought a deep understanding of agriculture, regional communities and public policy to the role, while AgriFutures managing director John Harvey described him as a respected leader at a time of growth and innovation for the sector.
Industry groups have also signalled strong support.
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) highlighted Mr Veitch’s practical and policy insight, noting that his experience from the shearing shed to shadow portfolios for primary industries and regional NSW puts him in good stead to lead AgriFutures’ work supporting a modern, forward-looking sector.
Mr Veitch said he was honoured to take on the role and looked forward to supporting research, innovation and investment that would strengthen Australian agriculture into the future.
“I’m pleased to be appointed as the new chair of AgriFutures Australia, which plays a critical role in championing innovation and supporting the industries and people who power regional Australia,” he said.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the organisation’s next phase of growth and ensure we invest in the ideas and technologies that will shape the future of agriculture.
“I look forward to working closely with the board, management and our industry partners to create long-term benefits for our producers, regional communities, and emerging industries,” Mr Veitch said.
His three-year term commenced on 11 January.
