The Australian Greens have called for the reinstatement of the moratorium on GM crops in WA and changes to the laws governing liability and food labelling in order to protect the choices of farmers and consumers across the state.

WA Greens Senators Rachel Siewert and Scott Ludlam and Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren are joining thousands of Western Australians today in support of organic farmer Steve Marsh.

The Gillard government's "rethink" on free trade is long overdue and the focus needs to shift in the short term to the government's headlong rush into the US-backed Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement, Australian Greens Deputy Leader Christine Milne said today.

Sydney Morning Herald columnist, Elizabeth Farrelly recently hit the nail on the head when asking why we are happy to play gastronomic Russian Roulette by eating without question any morsel offered us on a plate.
She was questioning why many of us blissfully indulge in healthy looking meals without any thought for the chemistry set that lies within, and was dismayed that a recent government-commissioned review of food labelling was happy for this to continue unabated.

Community Affairs Wednesday 23 February

Senator SIEWERT—You are probably aware of Mr Marsh’s case in Western Australia. It has certainly been a hot topic of conversation for many people in WA. Have you relooked at your processes or what level of involvement you have had since that case has come to light and since part of Mr Marsh’s property has been decertified?

The Australian Greens have today expressed concern about GM crops in WA after Kojonup farmer Stephen Marsh’s property lost organic certification as a result of contamination by neighbouring crops of genetically modified canola.

Australian Greens Agriculture spokesperson, Senator Rachel Siewert says the contamination further highlights a range of problems and concerns linked to the growth and sale of GM products in Australia.

The Australian Greens say many people don’t realise they are buying GM products in stores and supermarkets, with current labelling loopholes making it practically impossible for them to be avoided.

Senator Rachel Siewert, Greens Health spokesperson says the recommendations of the Independent Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy should be made public upon their presentation to the Australian New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council meeting in Adelaide, ahead of a COAG decision on food labelling, which is due in February.

FOOD STANDARDS AMENDMENT - (TRUTH IN LABELLING— GENETICALLY MODIFIED MATERIAL) BILL 2010  - Second Reading

Senator XENOPHON (South Australia) (4.05 pm)—I move: That this bill be now read a second time. I table an explanatory memorandum relating to the bill and seek leave to have the second reading speeches incorporated in Hansard. Leave granted.

Senator SIEWERT (Western Australia) (4.05 pm)—The incorporated speech read as follows—

FOOD LABELLING

Senator HANSON-YOUNG (South Australia) (3.40 pm) - I move:

That the Senate -

(a) notes:
(i) the first same-sex marriages were celebrated in Mexico City in the week beginning 7 March 2010, following the recent passage of legislation removing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, under that city's Marriage Act, and

(ii) Mexico City joins Portugal, Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Spain, South Africa and many states in the United States of America that already recognise same-sex marriage as a reality;