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

[by video link] Unless I have a second voice, I probably won't get to ask more than one more question, but I will just put this on record. Yes, you're right, Senator McKenzie, the Greens have raised these questions and these issues over many years; however, I haven't because I'm new to the portfolio within the Greens.

From my own personal experience as a grape farmer having used these chemicals, and that of all my mates I went to boarding school with who were farmers, I know that this is a significant matter of interest amongst the farming community. They're the users of these products. On the other side, of course, we have the producers who manufacture them and who want to get them to market and make as much money as possible. Then in between we have scientists and other experts. My point that I will finish on is: it's not the APVMA I'm criticising, Minister, it's your government.

You've taken seven years to bring this legislation before the parliament today. I'm not sure why there's been a lack of urgency to get this legislation passed. I'm not sure why it has sat on the NoticePaper for months and months and has always been pushed to the bottom of the pile. I think farmers' health, as well as the health of the environment and the health of our ecosystem, is an absolutely critical, acute thing that we need to be debating and addressing. I, my party and many stakeholders out there feel that today is a missed opportunity to have that serious debate.

I'll put on the record that I know Labor were moving amendments today. I understand those amendments have been withdrawn. They've come to some arrangement with the government and they're leaving it to the government to use its discretion as to how it appoints that board. I have no faith that your government will prioritise the interests of farmers and the health of the environment over the interests of big industry. That has always been your modus operandi since I can remember.

Question agreed to.

Bill, as amended, agreed to.

Bill reported with amendments; report adopted.