7th Dec 2006, 7:58 PM – Representatives Wheat Marketing Amendment Bill 2006 - Consideration in Detail - Independent review

The majority voted against an amendment that was introduced by Labor MP Simon Crean.

Mr Crean argued that this amendment would create a much needed comprehensive independent review into the key issues that need to be addressed in respect of Australia's wheat industry.(Read more about the amendments here. ) For example, the review would consider returns to growers, the economic impact of export wheat control arrangements and the benefits of maintaining export wheat control.

Background to the bill

The Wheat Marketing Amendment Bill 2006 has been introduced to transfer the right to veto bulk wheat export applications from the Australian Wheat Board (International) (AWB(I))(AWB (International) is a subsidiary of AWB Ltd. Before the Wheat Marketing Amendment Bill 2006 was passed, it held the mandate for the single desk wheat export operation, including the power to veto other exports of bulk wheat.) to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry until 30 June 2007. It is a response to the Volker report into the UN Oil-for-food program and the later Cole inquiry. These investigations arose out of the AWB scandal, which involved Australian Wheat Board Ltd (AWB) paying kickbacks to to Saddam Hussein's Iraqi regime.

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