The Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs last week announced the commencement of an inquiry into mechanisms for compensation for economic loss to farmers in WA caused by contamination by genetically modified material.
Prompted by the tabling of a petition by the Hon Diane Evers MLC on 13 June, the Minister for Agriculture and Food supported the committee investigating whether there needs to be a mechanism in place.
With GM canola being a legal and safe crop in WA, WAFarmers Grains Section President Duncan Young said it was unclear why an inquiry was called when a review had already been completed by the Federal Government in 2005.
“Part of that review looked at this issue along with a number of others, and found that common law covers all the requirements,” Mr Young said.
“Why would the State Government duplicate something that’s already been done? It appears to be a waste of resources.
“WAFarmers will certainly be making a submission into this inquiry, which will strongly state our concerns about use of resources and duplication.”
