Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation) Share this | Hansard source

If the provisions were to remain, as is being suggested by Senator O’Brien, we would have the authority being responsible under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997. What we are doing with the Uhrig review is changing the structure so that it would now be under the Financial Management and Accountability Act. Also, as part of that new regime, we have the independence of the commissions from representative bodies, such as the GCA, and that will ensure maximum objectivity, transparency and regulatory independence. While there is no longer a specific requirement for the commission to consult formally with the GCA, it is expected that the commission will, as a matter of course, consult widely and regularly with industry. In his statement of expectations to the EWC, the minister has said that he will request the commission consult widely with industry. The requirement that at least one commissioner have expertise in export wheat production and another have expertise in grain production means that the view of industry will be represented on the commission. This is going to be more of an expertise based body than one with people consulted on the basis of a representational situation. The new commission is to be an independent statutory body, and requirements for it to be obliged to report to any representative body are inconsistent with this policy and expectation of independence.