Dr. Walker inquires about the progress of reviewing WA's Industrial Hemp Act, particularly regarding extending hemp licence terms to match Victoria's more progressive approach. The Minister acknowledges the question and states a review will be considered in the context of government priorities and stakeholder submissions.

AnsweredQoN 353Legislative Assembly
Asked
18 June 2025
Portfolio
Agriculture and Food

QuestionView source ↗

Hemp industry
353. Hon Dr Brian Walker to the Minister for Agriculture and Food:
I draw the
minister's attention to the Hemp Industry Bill, currently before the Victorian
Parliament, which proposes to increase the maximum hemp licence terms in that
jurisdiction from three years to five years. I also note and welcome the Cook
government's commitment made in the closing weeks of the 41 st Parliament to consider our view of our own
Industrial Hemp Act in Western Australia.
(1) Can the minister outline for the house any
progress made to date towards a review and what such a proposal is likely to
entail in the coming months?
(2) Can she further inform the house as to whether
such review might reasonably consider extending our own maximum licence term—also
currently three years—to mirror the more progressive approach being
taken in Victoria and to ensure that our local hemp growers remain competitive
within the Australian market?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) Consistent with recommendation 14
of the report of the Select Committee into Cannabis and Hemp, a review of the
act and regulations will be considered in the context of other government
legislative priorities. Any review will include an opportunity for stakeholder
submissions to be considered in relation to matters such as licence terms.

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