The Hodgman Liberal Government is getting on with the job of growing the agriculture sector and remove unnecessary red tape with the release of the Industrial Hemp Bill 2015 for public consultation.
The Industrial Hemp Bill 2015, which will be introduced to Parliament later this year, supports growth of the industrial hemp sector through simplified regulation of the industry.
We have already shown our commitment to grow the industrial hemp sector with the introduction of a number of reforms earlier this year.
This Bill will establish a regulatory framework that supports the expansion of the sector while not over-burdening it with unnecessary regulation.
It is important to note that this Bill is focussed on low-THC varieties of cannabis, which are grown toextract fibre and oil, and have no value as a drug.
The Bill has been developed with extensive consultation with the Industrial Hemp Association of Tasmania, Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, Tasmania Police and other industry and Government stakeholders.
The Hodgman Liberal Government is also continuing to advocate for a lift of the federal prohibition of the hemp food products. We have been a long-time advocate for the use of low-THC hemp in food, which would present a huge opportunity for our farmers. Last month the Health Minister Michael Ferguson secured agreement at the Australian and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation for work on this issue to be accelerated.
The Bill is now being released for further public input and comment prior to its finalisation and introduction to Parliament later this year.
The public comment period will run from August 8 until September 4 2015.
Copies of the proposed Bill and further information can be found at: www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au
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