Gene Technology (Queensland) Bill 2016

As Minister, introduced the second reading and explained the bill establishes a lock-step opt-out approach whereby Commonwealth gene technology laws are automatically applied as laws of Queensland, providing certainty for state agencies, higher education institutions and sole traders.

“The Gene Technology (Queensland) Bill 2016 will improve clarity, consistency and certainty for Queensland state government agencies, higher education institutions and sole traders, which will allow them to operate and invest with confidence.”— 2016-10-13View Hansard

As shadow minister, confirmed the LNP opposition would not oppose the bill as it finalises the review commissioned by the former LNP government in 2013 and supports biotechnology development for agriculture and new markets.

“I rise to speak to the Gene Technology (Queensland) Bill 2016. From the outset I should state that the LNP opposition will not be opposing this bill because we support the need for and use of gene technology and biotechnology in Queensland.”— 2016-10-13View Hansard

As committee chair, supported the bill which ensures Queensland's gene technology regulation aligns with Commonwealth arrangements, highlighting examples of GM research benefits including cotton, insulin, banana vitamin A fortification and sugarcane trials.

“This bill will establish a lock-step opt-out approach so that consistency with the Commonwealth legislation is automatically maintained, while the Queensland parliament's ability to block any Commonwealth amendments that are not in Queensland's interest are still preserved. I commend the bill to the House.”— 2016-10-13View Hansard

Supported the bill, highlighting Queensland's work in gene technology in both agriculture and medical research, including cotton innovations and vaccine development at Griffith University's Institute for Glycomics.

“As I said, there is not a great amount that seems to be of any difficulty to any of the submitters, and I join with the shadow minister in not opposing the bill.”— 2016-10-13View Hansard

Supported the bill, particularly the opt-out provision as a safeguard for Queensland's interests, and noted the importance of safeguards to prevent GM plants escaping into the natural environment.

“This is a good bill. I am glad that we have an opt-out provision, as that is looking after Queensland's interests.”— 2016-10-13View Hansard

Supported the bill and the lock-step approach with opt-out option, while urging the minister to ensure more public information is made available to address community concerns about GMO safety.

“Overall, I see no fundamental problems with the bill and I do support it. When it comes down to it, we are a small planet and we are trying to produce enough food to feed all of the hungry mouths.”— 2016-10-13View Hansard

Supported the bill as achieving the balance called for by the 2013 independent review commissioned under the former LNP government, combining lock-step efficiency with Queensland's ability to opt out when needed.

“I believe this bill has achieved the balance called for by the independent review. As such, I commend this bill to the House.”— 2016-10-13View Hansard

Supported the bill which preserves Queensland's ability to disengage from the lock-step arrangement if not in the state's best interests, and highlighted valuable GM research in crops and human therapeutics underway in Queensland.

“Notwithstanding that the state can still exercise the opt-out arrangement, this is a step in the right direction by the Palaszczuk Labor government... I commend this bill to the House.”— 2016-10-13View Hansard

Supported the bill, emphasising the potential of gene technology to help control invasive and noxious weeds which cost Queensland an estimated $600 million annually.

“Any way that we can use gene technology to help control and eradicate noxious and invasive weeds would be welcome in the agricultural sector, as it would increase productivity and reduce the physical and financial burden. I urge this chamber to support the bill.”— 2016-10-13View Hansard

Supported the bill, emphasising the importance of the lock-step approach maintaining national consistency while preserving Queensland's right to opt out and retaining appropriate oversights for public and environmental interests.

“I support the Gene Technology (Queensland) Bill 2016... I support the committee's recommendation that the bill be passed.”— 2016-10-13View Hansard

Supported the bill, emphasising benefits of gene technology including Professor Dale's banana biofortification research and GM crops that reduce pesticide use, while noting Queensland does not impose a moratorium on GM dealings.

“The Palaszczuk government is acting to ensure that gene technology activities are facilitated through legislation that balances innovation with environmental protection and the health and safety of people. In doing so, it is important that our laws keep pace with science. I commend the bill to the House.”— 2016-10-13View Hansard

Supported the legislation which originated from the LNP's 2013-14 review, highlighting benefits including CSIRO cotton developments that reduced pesticide use by 85 per cent and the dengue vaccine application.

“As a member of the Liberal National Party, I support the proposed legislation... In conclusion, I concur with the parliamentary committee's position that the bill be passed. I commend the bill to the House.”— 2016-10-13View Hansard

Supported the bill, highlighting gene technology applications in sugarcane breeding research in the Mackay region for yield, disease resistance and biofuel production.

“Gene technology is pivotal to the future of the Queensland sugar industry. That is why it is imperative to have legislation in place to ensure that the regulation and management of these processes is relevant, compliant with current standards and is ethical and safe. I commend the bill to the House.”— 2016-10-13View Hansard

Supported the bill as providing a legislative framework to allow the gene technology industry to develop in Queensland, attracting federal and private funding and creating jobs in his electorate's agricultural research facilities.

“Many people often see this place as a chamber where battles are held. It often can be, but this bill is good for Queensland. We agree with it. It provides opportunities for people in my electorate. I am very happy to support the bill.”— 2016-10-13View Hansard