Senate inquiry result mirrors reef regs problems The failure of senators to reach a consensus on the veracity of the evidence base behind reef regulations is symbolic of the confusing, divisive and politicised nature of the regulations themselves. Following a year-long inquiry, the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs Committee handed down two conflicting reports on the evidence behind the Queensland Government’s latest round of reef regulations. While the committee’s majority report supported the continued regulation of farming practices, and largely dismissed the need for greater scrutiny of the science used to justify regulation, it did
call for greater transparency to give growers confidence and recommended increased funding for on-farm extension programs. A separate dissenting minority report, from LNP committee members senators Susan McDonald, Gerard Rennick and Matt Canavan, came out strongly in favour of the key recommendations that CANEGROWERS made in its submission to the inquiry, including:
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Removing the regulatory burden on growers and adopting long-term support for on-farm innovation;
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Restoring growers’ confidence in policy through a review of the way the science used to justify it is managed and scrutinised;
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Ensuring water quality targets are credible and realistic; and developing trustworthy methods for evaluating improvements in farm practices and water quality.
CANEGROWERS notes on the inquiry recommendations Recommendation 1 The committee recommends the Australian and Queensland governments ensure adequate stakeholder engagement and education processes are integrated into future Water Quality Scientific Consensus Statement processes.
Recommendation 2 The committee recommends the Australian and Queensland governments improve consultation, information, accessibility and transparency of data used to inform the findings of the Paddock to the Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting Program.
Growers don't need to be educated or condescended to. They need to be consulted, listened to, and recognised for the good work they've already done.
Won't solve the serious flaws in the Paddock to Reef program or unrealistic water quality targets.
Recommendation 3 The committee recommends the Australian Government continue to uphold its responsibilities under the precautionary principle in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975.
Recommendation 4 The committee recommends the Australian and Queensland governments ensure future Reef report cards adequately incorporate and recognise the adoption of best practice across the sugarcane sector.
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Best practice defined by Smartcane BMP or defined by government in water quality targets?
