Bob Baldwin (Paterson, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources) Share this | Hansard source

The Food Standards Australia New Zealand Amendment Bill 2007 proposes amendments to the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 that sets out the processes for developing and amending joint food standards for Australia and New Zealand. I would like to thank the member for Gellibrand and the member for Fisher for their contributions to this debate. Enough has been said in the introductory remarks of the bill and the comments by the speakers; however, let me say in summary that the bill introduces a risk-based standards assessment and consultation process that will make the system more efficient and effective. The bill aligns and harmonises standard development processes to eliminate unnecessary duplication and red tape, recognises the changing environment and creates processes to improve the management of issues in relation to food innovation.

The Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs and the Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills reviewed the bill and made recommendations. In response to these recommendations, the government introduced three minor amendments to the bill. These amendments were adopted by the Senate. The state, territory and New Zealand governments have been closely involved in the development of this legislation. All parties are committed to a food regulation system that runs as smoothly and as efficiently as possible while maintaining the existing transparent and accountable arrangements. The bill demonstrates this government’s continued commitment to the protection of public health and safety. It improves upon the already robust regulatory arrangements that protect the safety of food for all Australians. Therefore, I commend the bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Ordered that the bill be reported to the House without amendment.

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