Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

[by video link] Well, it may have been able to if it had actually been set up. Minister, you mentioned it was a decision of government. I want to raise again the concerns that were raised by the Labor Party and the Greens during the 2019 inquiry into the bill by the rural and regional affairs committee:

The APVMA Governance Board will not have the power to independently set the APVMA's strategic direction, drive its operational performance, set an appropriate risk management framework and ensure greater accountability. Under the proposed legislation the Minister will continue to have the power to direct the APVMA and will be provided with the power to direct the board in the performance of its functions.

Is this still is case with the bill before us today? Will the minister be able to direct the APVMA governance board once it's set up?