Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation) Share this | Hansard source

There are a number of issues there in relation to the report by Mr Ralph AC. I understand it was a report to the Prime Minister, and it is up to the Prime Minister when and if that report is to be released. As to the suggestion of a growers’ poll—I do not have instructions on that, and I am sure I will be corrected—at the end of the day, we as a government are willing to take responsibility for the legislation. There was some urgency in relation to this legislation, and we have indicated that time and time again. We are willing to stand by our decision, keeping in mind that, from our consultation, the feedback we got from growers was that they wanted certainty at the beginning of the growing season. As Senator O’Brien and I are exchanging questions and answers across the table, I understand there are many farmers out there, thankful for the rains that have fallen, driving tractors and planting seed, and they want some certainty for their industry. That is what we are trying to provide by getting this legislation through today.