❓ A parliamentary question regarding the government's response to GM canola contamination on an organic farm, contrasting it with the cleanup efforts for lead and nickel contamination in other areas. The Minister's answer defends the different approaches based on the perceived risk of GM canola.
AnsweredQoN 4972Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the State Government’s commitment to cleaning up the Esperance and Geraldton town-site of lead and nickel contamination, and the Geraldton port from next week, to rule out any risk of lead contamination. I also refer to the Premier’s statement that he was taking a hands-on approach to the cleanup, and I ask:
(a) will the Minister for Agriculture and Food take a hands-on approach for the cleanup of the genetically modified (GM) canola contamination on Steve Marsh’s Kojanup organic farm after the recent storms;
(b) will Western Australian farmers’ properties get the same treatment as other contaminated areas within the State; and
(c) can the Minister explain why Government departments are involved in the cleanup of lead contamination in Esperance but are not involved in the cleanup of GM canola contamination on non-GM farms?
(a) will the Minister for Agriculture and Food take a hands-on approach for the cleanup of the genetically modified (GM) canola contamination on Steve Marsh’s Kojanup organic farm after the recent storms;
(b) will Western Australian farmers’ properties get the same treatment as other contaminated areas within the State; and
(c) can the Minister explain why Government departments are involved in the cleanup of lead contamination in Esperance but are not involved in the cleanup of GM canola contamination on non-GM farms?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 May 2011
Responded by
Minister for Agriculture and Food
Response time
42 days
(a) Nickel and lead are harmful to people and the environment so the State Government has committed to cleanup Geraldton town and Esperance port. The Australian Gene Technology Regulator has concluded that GM canola is as safe as non-GM canola to humans and the environment. The Minister and DAFWA have not committed to removing GM plant material from Mr Marsh's property.
(b)-(c) No, as explained in the previous answer Australian Gene Technology Regulator-licensed GM canola is a legal crop and is not toxic so it is not a contaminant.
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(b)-(c) No, as explained in the previous answer Australian Gene Technology Regulator-licensed GM canola is a legal crop and is not toxic so it is not a contaminant.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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