Dr WOODRUFF question to ATTORNEY-GENERAL, Ms ARCHER
The corporate protein colossus, JBS, owned by the two Batista butchers of Brazil, has been exposed internationally for a litany of scandals. ABC Four Corners documented their self-confessed bribery and corruption, price-fixing, environmental damage and illegal deforestation of the Amazon, as well as their appalling record of workplace negligence, including in Tasmania.
The Batista brothers are on record confessing JBS's rapid global corporate expansion, including into Australia and the United States of America, came from cheap finance obtained by bribery of 1800 officials in Brazil. They were fined $3.2 billion USD and jailed for that crime in Brazil.
The use of the proceeds of crime to fund a venture is illegal. JBS has been convicted of that crime in the United States. Will you refer the purchase of Huon Aquaculture by JBS to the Australian Federal Police for investigation of criminal activity?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I thank the member for the question. I appreciate that she is trying to connect this in some way to be within my portfolio responsibilities, but I do believe that this is a matter that comes under the portfolio of Primary Industries and Water.
However, I will say that foreign investment in Tasmanian industry often brings much-needed capital, technology and innovation into our state. It enhances the productivity and competitiveness of Tasmanian agriculture. Australia has a robust foreign investment framework to ensure that it benefits Tasmania, and I have every confidence in the Australian Government's ability to assess foreign investment proposals.
This is a federal matter. I appreciate that the Greens here are clutching at straws to try to connect it to my portfolio, but I do not see that I have responsibility for this matter.
Dr Woodruff - I am trying to get the Government to take action.
Mr SPEAKER - Order, Dr Woodruff.
Ms ARCHER - If Dr Woodruff has a concern, she is quite able to make that type of reference herself -
Dr Woodruff - Why would not you be concerned?
Mr SPEAKER - Order, Dr Woodruff
Ms ARCHER - to authorities if she believe she has evidence that requires a prosecution.