Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

in reply—I thank all members who have contributed to the debate on the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Amendment Bill 2010, including you, Mr Deputy Speaker Kelvin Thomson, at an earlier moment. I was pleased to be here to listen to the comments made by the member for Makin. I know of his strong commitment and family involvement. I have visited one of the properties run by members of his family, and I understand his commitment to making sure that these issues are regulated well and also to getting the balance right and understanding that extra red tape serves the interests of neither farmers nor the environment. Where we can eliminate red tape and free up systems to make them work more effectively, we should.

The bill before us amends the Agvet Code in two areas: first, it allows the authority to disclose certain information where a minor use or emergency use permit is being sought; and, secondly, it will allow trade concerns to trigger a review of a product label. These reforms aim to improve effectiveness and efficiency as well as strengthening the protections around the registration of Agvet chemicals for the community. The amendment will not compromise the overarching importance the government attaches to the protection of human health or the importance of protecting the environment.

Following the second reading—assuming we are lucky enough to have it carried—there will be some government amendments. I want to thank the opposition for their bipartisan support on this issue. I understand that the shadow minister—although I was not able to be here for his comments—referred to the fact that we have promised reforms through the better regulation partnership but have not seen any action yet. I suspect we will be able to see the first down payment on that action in about a minute and a half.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

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