AN inquiry into Victoria’s industrial hemp industry has begun.
Requested by Legalise Cannabis Victoria MP Rachel Payne, an upper house committee is seeking submissions as it looks to explore the issues, barriers and opportunities within the industry.
Currently Victoria has six registered hemp growers, who cultivate a total of 169 hectares of hemp.
The Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee will explore what an expanded hemp industry could mean for the Victorian economy, Victorian jobs and Victorian emissions reductions
It will compare the growing and processing of hemp in Victoria to other jurisdictions, and assess the constraints to industry expansion, and the cost and environmental benefits of an expanded industry.
Member for Northern Victoria Georgie Purcell, who is the committee chair said they’re interested to know how the government could support the industry’s development.
“We’d like to hear from experts in the industry, growers or potential growers and others with an interest in the may fuel food, construction and fibre opportunities that a fully developed hemp industry in the state could facilitate,” Ms Purcell said.
The Committee consists of 14 members, including four Liberal MPs, three Labor MPs, two Greens MPs, two Legalise Cannabis Victoria MPs, an an MP each from the Nationals, Liberal Democrats and Animal Justice Party.
Public submissions for the inquiry are open now and close on August 4, terms of reference can be found on the Committee’s website.
A final report with recommendations is expected to be tabled to parliament by November 15.
