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Primary Industries


House of Assembly, Tasmania

TasNetworks – Poles on Private Land

I have a few questions on poles that I was hoping you could help me with.

Vica Bayley MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  23 Nov 2023


Man Installing Rooftop Solar Panels

TasNetworks – On-Farm Renewables

We had a conversation yesterday with Aurora that demonstrated that there's no technological metering challenges with this proposition.

Vica Bayley MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  23 Nov 2023


House of Assembly, Tasmania

Tasmanian Irrigation – Farmer Engagement

To continue on this line around, I guess, farmer engagement, irrigator engagement: did you just mention that the Irrigator Representative Committee.

Vica Bayley MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  22 Nov 2023


Risdon Brook Reservoir, Tasmania

Water Miscellaneous Amendments (Delegation and Industrial Water Supply) Bill 2023

I start by thanking officials for the briefing yesterday. I note this bill was tabled in the House on 18 October 2023.

Vica Bayley MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  31 Oct 2023


Fish Farm, Macquarie Harbor

Estimates Reply – Palmer

The Tasmanian fish farm industry's social licence is trashed in many quarters.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  21 Jun 2023


Flowerdale River at Meunna, Tasmania, Australia

Estimates Reply – Palmer

We do effectively give away our water in Tasmania. We charge a pittance relative to the rest of the country.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  21 Jun 2023


Flowerdale River at Meunna, Tasmania, Australia

Primary Industries and Water – Water Entitlements

Can you update the committee on what steps you will be taking as minister to stop a system which effectively gives away some of the best water in the country?

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  7 Jun 2023


Flowerdale River at Meunna, Tasmania, Australia

Greens Move for Clarity on Water Management

Today the Greens tabled a motion to establish a Parliamentary Inquiry into Fresh Water Management in Tasmania.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  19 Oct 2022


Fish Farm, Macquarie Harbor

Estimates Reply – Palmer

Ms Palmer is the latest in a line of Labor and Liberal salmon industry supplicants.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  14 Jun 2022


Man testing water in a river.

Estimates Reply – Palmer

Palmer needs to have honesty from her department and she needs to have a dedication to science, openness and transparency.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  14 Jun 2022


Man testing water in a river.

Primary Industries and Water – Water Allocations

There has recently been a new project announced for NRET, which is looking at updating the models for catchment yields in Tasmania, which is fantastic news.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  8 Jun 2022


Flowerdale River at Meunna, Tasmania, Australia

Primary Industries and Water – River Health

The report, Temporal and spacial patterns in river health across Tasmania in the influence of environmental factors, was concealed.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  8 Jun 2022


Bureaucracy, Professional with Paperwork

Primary Industries and Water – Rural Water Use Strategy

Can we confirm that urban water management is now included in the Rural Water Use Strategy?

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  8 Jun 2022


Man testing water in a river.

Primary Industries and Water – Integrated Catchment Management

Integrated catchment management is increasingly being seen as the way of the future by experts, scientists and stakeholders.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  8 Jun 2022


House of Assembly, Tasmania

Primary Industries and Water – Tasman Peninsula Increase in Pens

Can you please provide an explanation for why there has been an increase of pens in Nubeena on the Tasman Peninsula?

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  8 Jun 2022


Bureaucracy, Professional with Paperwork

Primary Industries and Water – Fin Fish Farming Inquiry

What we have here is a massive document, the Legislative Council's sub-committee report on fin fish farming in Tasmania.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  8 Jun 2022


Fish Farm, Macquarie Harbor

Primary Industries and Water – JBS

I draw your attention to the purchase of Huon Aquaculture last November by JBS, a Brazilian meat company, the largest protein producer on the planet.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  8 Jun 2022


Fish Farm, Macquarie Harbor

Fin Fish Farming Report Confirms Worst Fears About Toxic Industry

After an inquiry lasting more than two years, the Legislative Council has finally handed down its report on Fin Fish Farming, and it's damning.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  24 May 2022


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Dark Money Doesn't Faze Minister

The Attorney General Elise Archer MP has refused to refer JBS’ purchase of Huon Aquaculture to the Australian Federal Police.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  4 May 2022


Fish Farm in Okehampton Bay, Tasmania

Liberals Must Act on JBS Bribe Scandal

Yesterday’s Four Corners expose about behemoth Brazilian meat processor JBS revealed shocking bribery, environmental damage and workplace negligence.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  26 Apr 2022


Man testing water in a river.

Liberals' Agrivision 2050 Plan Comes at Huge Cost to River Systems

The Liberals’ ‘Agrifood Scorecard 2019-20’ tabled in Parliament today talks up agricultural output and ignores the heavy price paid by Tasmania’s rivers.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  24 Nov 2021


Tasmanian Farm, Cows

Liberals Silent on Van Dairy Cruelty and Pollution

Tasmanians still don’t know whether anything has changed for the better for animals or the local environment at and near Van Dairy’s farms.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  30 Jun 2021


takayna / tarkine, Tasmania

Anthony Houston, a Tasmanian Hero

Today, high profile farmer Anthony Houston has joined the blockade - a sign this campaign is entering the mainstream.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  17 Jun 2021


Bushfire, Active Blaze

Premier’s Irresponsible Logging Burn Spin

On the Saturday of the Labour Day long weekend, Forestry Tasmania set fire to a logged coupe in the Styx.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  16 Mar 2021


Fallow Deer

Draft Wild Fallow Deer Management Plan Pre-Release Submission

Fallow deer are an invasive species with a devastating impact on the landscape, and as such should have their protections rescinded.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Submission  |  11 Dec 2020


Fish Farm, Macquarie Harbor

Primary Industries – Fish Farming

The proposed expansion in Storm Bay would ensure basically a plastic curtain from North Bruny to Nubeena.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  26 Nov 2020


Chinese Flag

Diversifying Trade Relationships Will Buffer Tasmanian Producers from China Shocks

The Chinese Government’s escalating rhetoric, tariffs and border tactics to block Australian trade are deeply concerning for Tasmanian producers.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  6 Nov 2020


Fallow Deer

Gutwein Government in Hiding on Feral Deer

Staff from the DPIPWE today refused to give evidence to tomorrow’s Senate Committee hearings into the impact of feral deer on farmers and the landscape.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  13 Oct 2020


Local Food, Fresh Vegetables

COVID-19 - Seasonal Workers and Quarantine Provisions

The government has made the decision to open our borders to seasonal workers without requiring them to have a strict two-week quarantine.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  22 Sep 2020


Farm, Crops

Supporting Our Farmers

A recent survey of Tasmanian farmers showed strong support for reclassifying deer as a feral pest in Tasmania.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  16 Sep 2020


Fallow Deer

Barnett Fails Farmers and Environment, Backs in Feral Deer

Minister Barnett is failing farmers and the environment.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  28 Aug 2020


Cat, Feral with Bird

Barnett Lets the Cats Out of the Bag

The Government had the opportunity to tackle one of the state’s biggest environmental issues, but they fell at the first hurdle.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  27 Aug 2020


Fallow Deer

Fallow Deer Goal Must Be Eradication

Any move by Minister Barnett to commercialise the use of deer meat must have eradication of feral deer from the landscape as its goal.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  10 Jun 2020


Logged Forest, Tarkine

Leatherwood Forests Must be Protected

Last summer’s bushfires burned large tracts of native forest, including the leatherwood trees so critical to the honey industry.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  3 Sep 2019


Biosecurity Dog

Barnett's Weasel Words on SDN1 Deregulation

Today’s announcement that the moratorium on Genetically Modified Organisms would be extended by 10 years is welcome news.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  7 Aug 2019


Tasmanian Farm, Cows

Huge Questions Hang Over VDL Animal Welfare

When twenty senior farm managers put their serious concerns about animal welfare in writing, government must pay attention.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  28 Jun 2019


Shellfish, Various

Estimates Reply - Minister Barnett

All those issues have been put to the side in the corrupted processes surrounding the approval of the Adani mine and it is technically set to go ahead.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  13 Jun 2019


Science Lab

Tasmania's genetically modified organisms (GMO) Moratorium

The Tasmanian Greens submission to the genetically modified organisms (GMO) review, arguing for repealing the automatic expiration of the act after four years.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Submission  |  3 May 2019


Tasmanian Farm, Cows

Meat Processing

Far too often we become captive to a major corporation or a major industry at the expense of local producers and local supply chains.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  27 Nov 2018


Wallaby

Courtney Reveals Extended Licences to Hunt Wombats

Minister Courtney has revealed the Liberals’ plans to extend licences to shoot native wildlife, including wombats suffering from sarcoptic mange.  

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  22 Aug 2018


Biosecurity Dog

Liberals Not to Be Trusted on Biosecurity

The Liberals’ biosecurity policy announcement today is a terrible joke made at the expense of Tasmania's farmers and growers.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  1 Feb 2018


Air View of Houses

Foreign Ownership and Influence

Almost 25% of our state’s agricultural land is under a level of foreign ownership, and foreign donors are making large donations to the Liberals.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  30 Jan 2018


Risdon Brook Reservoir, Tasmania

More Funds Needed for DPIPWE, Not Relocation of Jobs

The Liberals’ plan to move DPIPWE staff from Hobart to the North and North West is hollow political pork-barreling.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  29 Jan 2018


Biosecurity Dog

Liberals Fail to Deliver Promised Biosecurity Legislation

Minister Rockliff today confirmed Biosecurity legislation would not be tabled in this term of government.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  29 Nov 2017


Fracking

Liberals Vote Down Ban on Fracking for Tasmania

The Liberals voted against the Greens' move to extend the moratorium on fracking to a permanent ban.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  13 Sep 2017


Shellfish, Various

On-Island Shellfish Testing Welcome

The industry will be greatly relieved the government listened to their calls for on-island shellfish testing facilities.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  3 May 2017


Medicinal Cannabis

Tasmanians Still at Risk of Prosecution on Medicinal Cannabis

The Greens welcome the Federal Health Minister's medicinal cannabis announcement today.  This policy change is a step in the right direction.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  22 Feb 2017


Mental Health, Man on Couch

State Liberals Must Fight for Rural Alive and Well Funding

Many rural Tasmanians have survived depression and suicide thanks to the committed staff and volunteers at Rural Alive and Well.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  20 Feb 2017


Medicinal Cannabis

Liberals' Medicinal Cannabis Mess

The continued confusion and anger of Tasmanians around access to medicinal cannabis is being exacerbated by mixed messages coming from the Government.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  24 Jan 2017


Super Trawler Geelong Star

Duplicitous Liberals Wave Off Super Trawler

During its stay, the Geelong Star was responsible for the deaths of dolphins, seals and albatross.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  23 Nov 2016


Medicinal Cannabis

Medicinal Cannabis

Over the past two years, the Premier and Police minister have made a number of statements seeking to reassure Tasmanians who rely on medicinal cannabis.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  12 Oct 2016


Medicinal Cannabis

Protection Needed for Medicinal Cannabis Users

There are currently patients who face charges and convictions over their medical cannabis possession and use in lieu of the government controlled access scheme.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  12 Oct 2016


Local Food, Fresh Vegetables

Rockliff Says He Will Lobby Federal Counterparts on Backpacker Tax

The backpacker tax policy, and the uncertainty around it, is having a profound effect on an already strained sector.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  22 Sep 2016


Local Food, Fresh Vegetables

State Liberals Powerless on Backpacker Tax

The Primary Industries Minister's comments about intervention on the poorly handled backpacker tax highlights the powerless position this government is in.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  22 Sep 2016


Medicinal Cannabis

Liberals Should Emulate Poppy Industry for Medical Cannabis

The Poisons Amendment (Poppy Industry Reform) Bill separates the regulation of the poppy industry between health and primary industries.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  13 Sep 2016


Shellfish, Various

On-Island Shellfish Testing Needed

Since 2012, the State's shellfish industries have been plagued with paralytic shellfish toxin, resulting in 50 Tasmanian farms being closed this year.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  5 Sep 2016


Parliament House, Tasmania

State Budget: Address in Reply

The Greens’ Alternative Budget restores frontline funding to education, and state Government's share of responsibility for sewerage and water infrastructure.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  31 May 2016


Tasmanian Farm, Cows

Security Needed For Dairy Farmers

Shifting consumer demands and the continued global milk glut are continuing to seriously affect dairy farmers in Tasmania.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  29 Jun 2016


Survey, Filling out Sheet

State Budget 2016: No Money for Niche Producers in Primary Industries

The last survey of rural confidence found that Tasmanian farmers are feeling flat about the year ahead.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  31 May 2016


Fish Farm, Macquarie Harbor

Liberals Show No Concern for Environment on Fish Farm Expansion

This summer saw a marine heatwave that ran for more than 140 days with temperatures 4.5 degrees warmer than average.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  3 May 2016


Shellfish, Various

Abalone Industry in Rough Waters

Tasmanian abalone divers are becoming increasingly alarmed about growing evidence in an industry at risk of collapse.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  3 May 2016


Risdon Brook Reservoir, Tasmania

Old Parties Deny Tasmanians Opportunity for Best Practice Water Management

Both Liberal and Labor parties have refused to support a Greens' move to establish a Parliamentary inquiry into water management in Tasmania.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  27 Apr 2016


Risdon Brook Reservoir, Tasmania

Inquiry Would Help Fix Water Problems

After our long, dry summer it's clear that water management in Tasmania needs addressing, and it needs addressing now.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  24 Apr 2016


Medicinal Cannabis

Change of Heart on Medicinal Cannabis Welcome

The Premier's announcement that Tasmania will legalise access to medicinal cannabis is long awaited and very welcome.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  23 Apr 2016


Medicinal Cannabis

Hodgman Should Follow Andrews on Medicinal Cannabis Now

The Victorian government have shown us what true leadership looks like when it comes to medicinal cannabis.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  13 Apr 2016


Chickens, Battery Cages

Greens Table Bill to Ban Battery Hens

The Greens tabled a bill to ban battery hen farming in Tasmania in Parliament today. Our Bill reflects community expectations of modern farming practices.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  7 Apr 2016


Legislation, Clause Being Highlighted

Egg Labelling Only a Win for Industry

The welfare of hens was well and truly at the bottom of the list when egg labelling laws were debated at COAG.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  5 Apr 2016


Bushfire, Burned Forest

State of the State Address in Reply

On behalf of the Tasmanian Greens MPs, I pay respect to the palawa/pakana people of Tasmania, to their treasured elders, past and present.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  15 Mar 2016


Science Lab

POMS Outbreak Needs Research and Climate Change Mitigation Strategy

That this House notes Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome, the devastating virus affecting Tasmania’s oyster industry.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  9 Mar 2016


Medicinal Cannabis

Federal Medical Cannabis Bill Very Welcome

Tasmania is one step closer to being able to lawfully cultivate medical cannabis for therapeutic use.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  10 Feb 2016


Biosecurity Dog

Stock Feed Another Biosecurity Mess

The extra pressure put on the agency as higher than normal volumes of stock feed are imported into the state, again highlights this concern.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  18 Jan 2016


Farm, Crops

Drought Relief Welcome, Longer Term Planning Needed

We also want to see this government recognise that hotter, drier conditions are becoming the new 'normal' and longer term planning is needed.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  17 Jan 2016


Doctor with Patient

Greens Welcome Medical Cannabis MoU

The Greens welcome the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Tasmanian and New South Wales governments. It's about time.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  10 Dec 2015


Biosecurity Dog

Dogs Not Enough to Fix Biosecurity

Biosecurity funding is still a big problem for Tasmania. This won't be solved simply by adding extra detector dogs.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  1 Dec 2015


Risdon Brook Reservoir, Tasmania

Ecosystems and Primary Producers Left High and Dry

In Parliament today, the Minister for Primary Industries confirmed he has no plan to manage our delicate river ecosystems during our state's dry times ahead.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  17 Nov 2015


Biosecurity Dog

Government Stubbornness Compromising Biosecurity

Biosecurity Tasmania plays a vital role in protecting Tasmania's agribusinesses and must be funded appropriately.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  13 Nov 2015


Risdon Brook Reservoir, Tasmania

Water Fears for Little Forester River

There is growing community concern that the Little Forester River near Bridport is being drained by individual farmers.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  9 Nov 2015


Hemp

Hemp Bill Welcome

The Greens were pleased to support legislation tabled by the government to authorise and regulate an industrial hemp industry in Tasmania.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  24 Sep 2015


Biosecurity Dog

Biosecurity Cuts Would Put Tasmania at Risk

Minister Rockliff has ignored the very real biosecurity threats to Tasmania from imports and tourist arrivals by only commenting on major produce exporters.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  11 Sep 2015


Mental Health, Man on Couch

White Paper Welcome but Not Enough for Tassie

The White Paper released yesterday by the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture is a welcome for Tasmania on the surface.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  5 Jul 2015


Farm, Crops

Pesticides in Waterways

Recent testing results which reveal the presence of at least 13 toxic pesticides in Tasmanian rivers.

Kim Booth  |  Media Release  |  14 Nov 2014


Parliament House, Tasmania

Backyard Egg Producers

The Hodgman government must review the regulations and consult with local small egg producers before the new labelling system is brought in.

Kim Booth  |  Media Release  |  24 Aug 2014