Primary Industries

Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens’ Leader and Primary Industries spokesperson

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

Andrea Dawkins MP | Greens’ spokesperson for Primary Industries

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

First they cut biosecurity funds, then refused to adequately resource it - the State is no longer fruit fly free and our exporters face uncertain overseas markets - and now they want Tasmanians to believe they have a plan to repair the damage they caused.

Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens’ Leader

The high level of foreign ownership and growing foreign influence in Tasmania has got people talking across the State.

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.

The Greens want to start a rational and respectful conversation about the impact of foreign ownership and influence in Tasmania.

Andrea Dawkins MP | Greens’ Primary Industries spokesperson 

The Liberals’ plan to move Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment staff from Hobart to the North and North West is hollow political pork-barreling. Their plan won’t create new job opportunities, unless existing, specialist staff resign.

If they really wanted to improve DPIPWE services and increase jobs in the North and North West, they should be boosting the Department’s funding.

Andrea Dawkins MP | Greens’ Primary Industries spokesperson  

The Minister for Primary Industries, Jeremy Rockliff, confirmed today in question time, that after four years and lengthy consultation, promised Biosecurity legislation would not be tabled in this term of government.

Protecting Tasmania’s clean, green image is critical to the future of our agricultural sector.  

The draft legislation has been closed to submissions since June this year, giving ample time to table the final Bill. Yet Minister Rockliff has failed to deliver.

Andrea Dawkins MP | Greens' Primary Industries spokesperson 

The Greens welcome the government’s investment in on-island shellfish testing.  We raised our serious concerns about this industry, and potential public health, issue late last year.

Interstate testing delays meant shellfish were being shipped and served before health notifications were received.  Some growers said their oysters were already on plates before they even knew there's a problem.

Andrea Dawkins MP | Greens' Primary Industries spokesperson

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

Unfortunately for many patients needing treatment, there's still a limited supply of products. Many users of medicinal cannabis are still being forced to break the law to treat chronic conditions or terminal illnesses.

Andrea Dawkins MP | Greens' Primary Industries spokesperson

The funding insecurity around Rural Alive and Well is deeply concerning.  Many rural Tasmanians have survived depression and suicide thanks to the committed staff and volunteers at RAW.  

The service RAW offer to farmers and rural Tasmanians is immeasurable.  The State Liberals must do everything within their power to make sure their funding is continued.  

Andrea Dawkins MP | Greens' Member for Bass

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

Government announcements that flowed with self-congratulation and fanfare have faded to vague statements - and no action.