Arthur Sinodinos (NSW, Liberal Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I feel I should deal with it now rather than take it on notice. In my capacity representing the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science I can confirm that we are working with industry on a new country-of-origin labelling framework. We will reform the labelling to enable consumers to make informed choices about food they buy. While we do import foodstuffs from across the world, including candy canes from our north, we are a net exporter in this sector, so it is important for us to have a very strong labelling regime.

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has been working closely with parents Australia-wide for many years to ensure our strict biosecurity requirements are met when delivering presents. Our import requirements, biosecurity and otherwise, apply to all equally—Santa, the tooth fairy, the Easter bunny, commercial importers, travellers and online shoppers. I have been advised that the health star rating is a voluntary initiative, as well as kosher and halal certification. It is entirely a matter for Santa to decide if his products are participants. (Time expired)