Dr Brian Walker MLC – “WA’s hemp industry collapsed on our watch.”
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WA’s hemp industry collapsed on our watch.
WA grew 200 hectares of hemp in 2009. By 2023-24 that had dropped to just 25.
While the rest of Australia and the world built a sustainable hemp industry, WA sat it out, not because the land was wrong, but because the laws were.
Parliament has backed a hemp review. Again.
On 11 November 2026 the Legislative Council unanimously agreed to Brian’s motion calling on the Cook Government to act on the Senate’s hemp recommendations and commence a full review of the Industrial Hemp Act 2004, with public and industry consultation and a report to Parliament. The Government supported the motion but has not set a date for the review. In plain English, the House agreed to:
a. Welcome the Senate committee report on developing a hemp industry in Australia, tabled 11 August 2026.
b.Recognise hemp’s potential for WA agriculture, manufacturing, construction and regional economies.
c.Call on the Cook Government to implement the Senate’s recommendations within its responsibilities, including regulatory harmonisation, mutual recognition of licences and cutting red tape.
d.Urge the Government to commence a comprehensive review of the Industrial Hemp Act 2004, with public and industry consultation, and report its findings to Parliament.
812 days since Parliament first backed a hemp review
Brian’s motion, 21 August 2024. The review has not started. 0 days since Motion 41 was agreed
Waiting for the review to commence.
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Read the Senate report: Opportunities for the development of a hemp industry in Australia
https://www.brianwalkermlc.com.au/hemp#motion-41
Source: https://cannabislaw.report/dr-brian-walker-mlc-was-hemp-industry-collapsed-on-our-watch/
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