Dr. Walker inquires about the potential use of hemp in Australian military uniforms, drawing on US examples. The Minister deflects responsibility to the federal government.

AnsweredQoN 295Legislative Council
Asked
22 March 2023
Portfolio
Defence Industry

QuestionView source ↗

HEMP — MILITARY UNIFORMS
295. Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER to the minister representing the
Minister for Defence Industry:
I refer the minister to recent
tender processes in the United States whereby the military is actively
considering hemp as a new component in its camouflage suits for snipers, citing
its light weight, durability and domestic growth as factors under
consideration.
(1) Is the
minister aware of any similar consideration here in Australia, either at a local
or federal level, to utilise hemp as a clothing material for our troops?
(2) Will he commit to flagging this
possibility with his state and federal colleagues?
(3) Can the
minister confirm whether he has brought this or any other opportunity to the
attention of any local hemp producers here in WA; and, if he did, how did their
bids fare; and, if he did not, will he commit to monitoring these types of
opportunities going forward?

AnswerView source ↗

I
thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. I answer on behalf
of the minister representing the Minister for Defence Industry. The
following information has been provided by the Minister for Defence Industry.
(1)–(3) The Western Australian government is not
responsible for the procurement of clothing for the Australian Defence Force.
It is suggested that the honourable member contact the Australian Minister for
Defence, Hon Richard Marles, MP, and the Minister for Defence Industry, Hon Pat
Conroy, MP, in relation to this question.

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