Food Production Areas

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:59): Supplementary, Mr President.

The PRESIDENT: It has to be arising from the answer.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: Instead of buffer zones, will the government exempt primary production from the Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:00): I did indeed mention buffer zones.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: That's what I said. I said, 'I did indeed mention buffer zones.' You need to listen more carefully; I can say that because I often mishear. I said, 'I did indeed mention buffer zones.' I think the interesting situation with the matter to which the honourable member referred is that that particular bill has had long consultation. Did the honourable member participate in that consultation? Did she, indeed, take up the offers to have briefings on—

The Hon. N.J. Centofanti: What, about shopping trolleys?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: So now she says it was all about shopping trolleys but is raising an issue around the agriculture interactions, which have been in place for some time.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: My advice is that the recent bill and its amendments have not changed any requirements for primary producers. They are exactly the same as they were under the former Liberal government. However, notwithstanding the fact that the bill has not made any changes whatsoever, I am advised by the minister in the other place who is responsible for this legislation that the government will now develop administrative regulations to support the new legislation.

The government will also consult on potential impacts of an amendment to schedule 1 of the act through regulation to exclude primary production from constituting a local nuisance. Consultation on these matters will be undertaken over a minimum of six weeks and is expected to occur after the state election, subject to approval from the new government.