Arthur Sinodinos (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science) Share this | Hansard source

I will briefly make two points. The first is that we all accept the importance of providing this sort of information, given the context in which the recent reforms have come about. It really goes to very basic issues for all of us as human beings, wanting to be assured that what we are eating is, as you say, Senator Rice, safe; it is the best; and, where possible, we are also supporting local industry in a non-distorting way, if I can put it like that. I accept all of that.

I also accept the need to provide more information rather than less where that is feasible and where we are not providing undue regulatory burdens. I think we agree on that. What you are really saying is that you do not believe the regulatory burden is as great as some people may be making out. We are going to test that in the review period as we look at the further digitisation of the food industry. I think that is going to be very important. As I said before in response to Senator Xenophon, we will be consulting people on the terms of the review, and that will obviously include the Greens as well.