❓ The Minister defends the government's moratorium on commercial GM crops, contrasting it with the Liberal Party's policy and highlighting potential economic risks. He asserts alignment with the WA Farmers Federation and cites a price premium for WA canola.
AnsweredQoN 565Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
COMMERCIAL GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS - MORATORIUM
Can the minister inform the house of the benefits to Western Australia of the government’s moratorium on commercial genetically modified crops? Mr M. McGOWAN
Can the minister inform the house of the benefits to Western Australia of the government’s moratorium on commercial genetically modified crops? Mr M. McGOWAN
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Bassendean for the question and for his interest in the matter. Yesterday, the Parliamentary Liberal Party released its policy statement titled “GM Technology for Plants in Agriculture: ‘The Way Forward’”. On the side of that policy document, I note that the Liberal Party has a new slogan: “Listen. Learn. Lead.” That is the Liberal Party’s new way forward. Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Liberal Party borrowed it from Tony Dean, apparently. The policy document launched by the Liberal Party yesterday countenances full-scale commercial trials of GM crops. That is not in accordance with the government’s position on this matter. In fact, in the environment policy that we took to the last election, we had a moratorium on this. However, we have indicated that we will permit small-scale trials. Our position actually accords with that of the Western Australian Farmers Federation. Mr P.D. Omodei : Does it? Mr M. McGOWAN : It does, actually. Mr P.D. Omodei : You are out of touch with the Farmers Federation, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the Opposition’s knowledge of this matter is as good as his knowledge of history, which we learnt about the other day. He did not know when the Liberal Party was formed and he did not know that Robert Menzies was Prime Minister twice. He did not know anything about history. I have with me a copy of the Western Australian Farmers Federation’s policy statement on genetically modified organisms. Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Mr M. McGOWAN replied: I thank the member for Bassendean for the question and for his interest in the matter. Yesterday, the Parliamentary Liberal Party released its policy statement titled “GM Technology for Plants in Agriculture: ‘The Way Forward’”. On the side of that policy document, I note that the Liberal Party has a new slogan: “Listen. Learn. Lead.” That is the Liberal Party’s new way forward. Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Liberal Party borrowed it from Tony Dean, apparently. The policy document launched by the Liberal Party yesterday countenances full-scale commercial trials of GM crops. That is not in accordance with the government’s position on this matter. In fact, in the environment policy that we took to the last election, we had a moratorium on this. However, we have indicated that we will permit small-scale trials. Our position actually accords with that of the Western Australian Farmers Federation. Mr P.D. Omodei : Does it? Mr M. McGOWAN : It does, actually. Mr P.D. Omodei : You are out of touch with the Farmers Federation, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the Opposition’s knowledge of this matter is as good as his knowledge of history, which we learnt about the other day. He did not know when the Liberal Party was formed and he did not know that Robert Menzies was Prime Minister twice. He did not know anything about history. I have with me a copy of the Western Australian Farmers Federation’s policy statement on genetically modified organisms. Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
I thank the member for Bassendean for the question and for his interest in the matter. Yesterday, the Parliamentary Liberal Party released its policy statement titled “GM Technology for Plants in Agriculture: ‘The Way Forward’”. On the side of that policy document, I note that the Liberal Party has a new slogan: “Listen. Learn. Lead.” That is the Liberal Party’s new way forward. Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Liberal Party borrowed it from Tony Dean, apparently. The policy document launched by the Liberal Party yesterday countenances full-scale commercial trials of GM crops. That is not in accordance with the government’s position on this matter. In fact, in the environment policy that we took to the last election, we had a moratorium on this. However, we have indicated that we will permit small-scale trials. Our position actually accords with that of the Western Australian Farmers Federation. Mr P.D. Omodei : Does it? Mr M. McGOWAN : It does, actually. Mr P.D. Omodei : You are out of touch with the Farmers Federation, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the Opposition’s knowledge of this matter is as good as his knowledge of history, which we learnt about the other day. He did not know when the Liberal Party was formed and he did not know that Robert Menzies was Prime Minister twice. He did not know anything about history. I have with me a copy of the Western Australian Farmers Federation’s policy statement on genetically modified organisms. Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Liberal Party borrowed it from Tony Dean, apparently. The policy document launched by the Liberal Party yesterday countenances full-scale commercial trials of GM crops. That is not in accordance with the government’s position on this matter. In fact, in the environment policy that we took to the last election, we had a moratorium on this. However, we have indicated that we will permit small-scale trials. Our position actually accords with that of the Western Australian Farmers Federation. Mr P.D. Omodei : Does it? Mr M. McGOWAN : It does, actually. Mr P.D. Omodei : You are out of touch with the Farmers Federation, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the Opposition’s knowledge of this matter is as good as his knowledge of history, which we learnt about the other day. He did not know when the Liberal Party was formed and he did not know that Robert Menzies was Prime Minister twice. He did not know anything about history. I have with me a copy of the Western Australian Farmers Federation’s policy statement on genetically modified organisms. Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Mr M. McGOWAN : The Liberal Party borrowed it from Tony Dean, apparently. The policy document launched by the Liberal Party yesterday countenances full-scale commercial trials of GM crops. That is not in accordance with the government’s position on this matter. In fact, in the environment policy that we took to the last election, we had a moratorium on this. However, we have indicated that we will permit small-scale trials. Our position actually accords with that of the Western Australian Farmers Federation. Mr P.D. Omodei : Does it? Mr M. McGOWAN : It does, actually. Mr P.D. Omodei : You are out of touch with the Farmers Federation, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the Opposition’s knowledge of this matter is as good as his knowledge of history, which we learnt about the other day. He did not know when the Liberal Party was formed and he did not know that Robert Menzies was Prime Minister twice. He did not know anything about history. I have with me a copy of the Western Australian Farmers Federation’s policy statement on genetically modified organisms. Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
The policy document launched by the Liberal Party yesterday countenances full-scale commercial trials of GM crops. That is not in accordance with the government’s position on this matter. In fact, in the environment policy that we took to the last election, we had a moratorium on this. However, we have indicated that we will permit small-scale trials. Our position actually accords with that of the Western Australian Farmers Federation. Mr P.D. Omodei : Does it? Mr M. McGOWAN : It does, actually. Mr P.D. Omodei : You are out of touch with the Farmers Federation, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the Opposition’s knowledge of this matter is as good as his knowledge of history, which we learnt about the other day. He did not know when the Liberal Party was formed and he did not know that Robert Menzies was Prime Minister twice. He did not know anything about history. I have with me a copy of the Western Australian Farmers Federation’s policy statement on genetically modified organisms. Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Mr P.D. Omodei : Does it? Mr M. McGOWAN : It does, actually. Mr P.D. Omodei : You are out of touch with the Farmers Federation, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the Opposition’s knowledge of this matter is as good as his knowledge of history, which we learnt about the other day. He did not know when the Liberal Party was formed and he did not know that Robert Menzies was Prime Minister twice. He did not know anything about history. I have with me a copy of the Western Australian Farmers Federation’s policy statement on genetically modified organisms. Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Mr M. McGOWAN : It does, actually. Mr P.D. Omodei : You are out of touch with the Farmers Federation, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the Opposition’s knowledge of this matter is as good as his knowledge of history, which we learnt about the other day. He did not know when the Liberal Party was formed and he did not know that Robert Menzies was Prime Minister twice. He did not know anything about history. I have with me a copy of the Western Australian Farmers Federation’s policy statement on genetically modified organisms. Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Mr P.D. Omodei : You are out of touch with the Farmers Federation, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the Opposition’s knowledge of this matter is as good as his knowledge of history, which we learnt about the other day. He did not know when the Liberal Party was formed and he did not know that Robert Menzies was Prime Minister twice. He did not know anything about history. I have with me a copy of the Western Australian Farmers Federation’s policy statement on genetically modified organisms. Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the Opposition’s knowledge of this matter is as good as his knowledge of history, which we learnt about the other day. He did not know when the Liberal Party was formed and he did not know that Robert Menzies was Prime Minister twice. He did not know anything about history. I have with me a copy of the Western Australian Farmers Federation’s policy statement on genetically modified organisms. Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Mr M. McGOWAN replied: I thank the member for Bassendean for the question and for his interest in the matter. Yesterday, the Parliamentary Liberal Party released its policy statement titled “GM Technology for Plants in Agriculture: ‘The Way Forward’”. On the side of that policy document, I note that the Liberal Party has a new slogan: “Listen. Learn. Lead.” That is the Liberal Party’s new way forward. Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Liberal Party borrowed it from Tony Dean, apparently. The policy document launched by the Liberal Party yesterday countenances full-scale commercial trials of GM crops. That is not in accordance with the government’s position on this matter. In fact, in the environment policy that we took to the last election, we had a moratorium on this. However, we have indicated that we will permit small-scale trials. Our position actually accords with that of the Western Australian Farmers Federation. Mr P.D. Omodei : Does it? Mr M. McGOWAN : It does, actually. Mr P.D. Omodei : You are out of touch with the Farmers Federation, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the Opposition’s knowledge of this matter is as good as his knowledge of history, which we learnt about the other day. He did not know when the Liberal Party was formed and he did not know that Robert Menzies was Prime Minister twice. He did not know anything about history. I have with me a copy of the Western Australian Farmers Federation’s policy statement on genetically modified organisms. Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
I thank the member for Bassendean for the question and for his interest in the matter. Yesterday, the Parliamentary Liberal Party released its policy statement titled “GM Technology for Plants in Agriculture: ‘The Way Forward’”. On the side of that policy document, I note that the Liberal Party has a new slogan: “Listen. Learn. Lead.” That is the Liberal Party’s new way forward. Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Liberal Party borrowed it from Tony Dean, apparently. The policy document launched by the Liberal Party yesterday countenances full-scale commercial trials of GM crops. That is not in accordance with the government’s position on this matter. In fact, in the environment policy that we took to the last election, we had a moratorium on this. However, we have indicated that we will permit small-scale trials. Our position actually accords with that of the Western Australian Farmers Federation. Mr P.D. Omodei : Does it? Mr M. McGOWAN : It does, actually. Mr P.D. Omodei : You are out of touch with the Farmers Federation, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the Opposition’s knowledge of this matter is as good as his knowledge of history, which we learnt about the other day. He did not know when the Liberal Party was formed and he did not know that Robert Menzies was Prime Minister twice. He did not know anything about history. I have with me a copy of the Western Australian Farmers Federation’s policy statement on genetically modified organisms. Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Liberal Party borrowed it from Tony Dean, apparently. The policy document launched by the Liberal Party yesterday countenances full-scale commercial trials of GM crops. That is not in accordance with the government’s position on this matter. In fact, in the environment policy that we took to the last election, we had a moratorium on this. However, we have indicated that we will permit small-scale trials. Our position actually accords with that of the Western Australian Farmers Federation. Mr P.D. Omodei : Does it? Mr M. McGOWAN : It does, actually. Mr P.D. Omodei : You are out of touch with the Farmers Federation, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the Opposition’s knowledge of this matter is as good as his knowledge of history, which we learnt about the other day. He did not know when the Liberal Party was formed and he did not know that Robert Menzies was Prime Minister twice. He did not know anything about history. I have with me a copy of the Western Australian Farmers Federation’s policy statement on genetically modified organisms. Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Mr M. McGOWAN : The Liberal Party borrowed it from Tony Dean, apparently. The policy document launched by the Liberal Party yesterday countenances full-scale commercial trials of GM crops. That is not in accordance with the government’s position on this matter. In fact, in the environment policy that we took to the last election, we had a moratorium on this. However, we have indicated that we will permit small-scale trials. Our position actually accords with that of the Western Australian Farmers Federation. Mr P.D. Omodei : Does it? Mr M. McGOWAN : It does, actually. Mr P.D. Omodei : You are out of touch with the Farmers Federation, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the Opposition’s knowledge of this matter is as good as his knowledge of history, which we learnt about the other day. He did not know when the Liberal Party was formed and he did not know that Robert Menzies was Prime Minister twice. He did not know anything about history. I have with me a copy of the Western Australian Farmers Federation’s policy statement on genetically modified organisms. Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
The policy document launched by the Liberal Party yesterday countenances full-scale commercial trials of GM crops. That is not in accordance with the government’s position on this matter. In fact, in the environment policy that we took to the last election, we had a moratorium on this. However, we have indicated that we will permit small-scale trials. Our position actually accords with that of the Western Australian Farmers Federation. Mr P.D. Omodei : Does it? Mr M. McGOWAN : It does, actually. Mr P.D. Omodei : You are out of touch with the Farmers Federation, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the Opposition’s knowledge of this matter is as good as his knowledge of history, which we learnt about the other day. He did not know when the Liberal Party was formed and he did not know that Robert Menzies was Prime Minister twice. He did not know anything about history. I have with me a copy of the Western Australian Farmers Federation’s policy statement on genetically modified organisms. Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Mr P.D. Omodei : Does it? Mr M. McGOWAN : It does, actually. Mr P.D. Omodei : You are out of touch with the Farmers Federation, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the Opposition’s knowledge of this matter is as good as his knowledge of history, which we learnt about the other day. He did not know when the Liberal Party was formed and he did not know that Robert Menzies was Prime Minister twice. He did not know anything about history. I have with me a copy of the Western Australian Farmers Federation’s policy statement on genetically modified organisms. Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Mr M. McGOWAN : It does, actually. Mr P.D. Omodei : You are out of touch with the Farmers Federation, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the Opposition’s knowledge of this matter is as good as his knowledge of history, which we learnt about the other day. He did not know when the Liberal Party was formed and he did not know that Robert Menzies was Prime Minister twice. He did not know anything about history. I have with me a copy of the Western Australian Farmers Federation’s policy statement on genetically modified organisms. Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Mr P.D. Omodei : You are out of touch with the Farmers Federation, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the Opposition’s knowledge of this matter is as good as his knowledge of history, which we learnt about the other day. He did not know when the Liberal Party was formed and he did not know that Robert Menzies was Prime Minister twice. He did not know anything about history. I have with me a copy of the Western Australian Farmers Federation’s policy statement on genetically modified organisms. Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the Opposition’s knowledge of this matter is as good as his knowledge of history, which we learnt about the other day. He did not know when the Liberal Party was formed and he did not know that Robert Menzies was Prime Minister twice. He did not know anything about history. I have with me a copy of the Western Australian Farmers Federation’s policy statement on genetically modified organisms. Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Mr T. Buswell : What is it dated? Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Mr M. McGOWAN : February 2006. It is totally in accord with the policy of the government. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Roe to order, and I warn the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He has already been called to order three times. He should desist or leave. Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
Mr M. McGOWAN : We have our policy in place for very good commercial and environmental reasons that are well understood. However, I will read out something from the Liberal Party document that was released yesterday. In the conclusion, the document states - We are concerned that if Western Australian growers are denied access to GM technology that within a few years the canola industry will suffocate. Canola competes with Canadian canola and soy bean from the Americas and both of these crops have been Genetically Modified with outstanding and unprecedented success. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food has examined this issue over a long period. I have with me a chart showing the prices of canola on the world market. According to the figures, a comparison of the price of Canadian canola and Western Australian canola shows that Western Australian canola has a premium price per tonne of $80. In relation to our policy versus the opposition’s policy, the opposition will, on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the Leader of the Opposition, potentially cost our economy very dearly.
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