The Industrial Hemp Bill is due to come before the NSW parliament for it’s second reading this month.
The bill has been introduced by the Minister for Primary Industry, Mr Ian McDonald with support from the Greens and some National members. Other conservative politicians are concerned about the impact hemp farming may have on the policing of marijuana crops.
The Bill brings NSW into line with Queensland and Victoria and has been developed after consultation with the police and relevant authorities. The legislative review committee of the NSW Parliament has identified that the licensing provisions of the bill are unusual because the minister makes all licensing decisions and they are not subject to judicial review.
The review committe also expressed caution regarding the rights of inspectors to enter properties and take samples of the hemp crop. These issues will be discussed during the second reading of the bill.Â