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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 402 asked in the Legislative Assembly on 28 May 2020 by Mr P.A. Katsambanis

Parliament: 40 Session: 1

ANIMAL ACTIVISM — LEGISLATION

402. Mr P.A. KATSAMBANIS to the Premier:

I have a supplementary question. Given the renewed threats and increased focus on this industry in the last few weeks, will the Premier direct the Attorney General to immediately fast-track the legislation to protect Western Australian farmers and jobs, and to assist our economy recovery?

Mr M. McGOWAN replied:

I am unaware of any threats; no-one has brought to my attention any ''threats'', as the member referred to them. I am unaware as to what the member is referring. We are obviously seeking to finalise that legislation. As I said, we have to ensure that we get the balance right, which is protecting farmers across Western Australia and also ensuring that there is an inspection regime in place for intensive agriculture, which might be piggeries, abattoirs, knackeries and things of that nature. We have to get the balance right so that all groups across Western Australia can be assured of the success, if you like, of the legislation, which is very important. That is what we are working towards achieving.

It is not easy because, as the member knows, there are disparate views on these issues across the community and they often cross political boundaries. We are just as likely to meet a blue-rinse Liberal Party–supporting person who does not support the live sheep trade. We are keen to ensure that we get the balance right. The legislation is being finalised, but as the member may have noticed, we have been very busy with a range of drafting exercises over the past month, particularly those that will create jobs. Our planning legislation took absolute priority, because we need to get our planning reform through to create more opportunities in building and construction. That legislation has now passed this house, which is great news. We look forward to it passing the other place so that we can get more jobs and investment out there, and more activity, in this very difficult environment. I look forward to the Liberal Party's support to ensure that that important legislation gets through.

The SPEAKER: That is the end of question time.