Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

[by video link] There was concern raised—and we went through it in the second reading debate—over the many reviews we've had over the years, including the previous Senate committee inquiry into the 2019 bill and the inquiry into the bill before us today, that this APVMA board might be stacked by the minister, or by the government, especially in favour of industry. You may be aware, minister, there were very strong criticisms in relation to Minister Littleproud's first principles review into this issue, and that review has led to this legislation today. What assurances can you give that the construction of this board, that constitutes the advice, will be independent of industry? By that I mean the chemical industry, that makes these veterinary and other chemicals that are applying for registration.