| Industry pressure puts hemp trial on the radar |
HE State Government has signalled it could step back from its ban on a medicinal cannabis trial under pressure to grow the hemp industry in Tasmania.
Treasurer and Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein has told councils pushing for the trial that the Government will seriously consider the recommendations of an Upper House committee.
“We’re supporting that process and obviously we’ll be guided by the response that comes out of that process,” Mr Gutwein told the Local Government Association state conference in Hobart.
“Are we prepared to look at and support the committee process and then look at the outcome? Absolutely, yes.”
Mr Gutwein’s comments were in response to a question from Legislative Councillor and Latrobe Mayor Mike Gaffney.
Several councils were disappointed by Health Minister Michael Ferguson’s decision earlier this month to disallow a trial proposed by Tasman Health Cannabinoids.
Huon Valley council says a trial could create 40 jobs in the region.
The 13-strong Regional Councils Group has thrown its support behind the industry as a possible antidote to the downturn in forestry.
“We shouldn’t shut the door to anything,” spokesman Barry Jarvis said.
“Too much in the past we’ve had groups that say no to things.
“Let’s investigate it and get the data, and have a logical conversation.”
Mr Jarvis said his group would be watching the recommendation of the Legislative Council committee.
“If there’s value for our communities in it, we will lobby hard for the State Government to implement those changes,” he said.
The debate was reignited as NSW’s Liberal Premier, Mike Baird, reportedly backed a trial of medicinal cannabis in his state.
“The intransigence of Will Hodgman and his minister in blocking the proposed Tasmanian medical cannabis trial is holding Tasmania back when we could, and should, be leading the nation,” Greens MP Cassy O’Connor said.
Councillors also expressed concerns about red tape constraining the growth of the industrial hemp industry.
However, Mr Gutwein said the Government fully supported the production of industrial hemp.
“We’re looking at the red tape and regulation that surrounds that to ensure that an appropriate level of necessary regulation exists, not an unnecessary one,” Mr Gutwein said.
The state conference continues until tomorrow.
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