A missed opportunity for our farmers as eastern states lead the way

In my years as a medical practitioner, I have learned that a lack of growth is often a symptom of an underlying condition. When I look at the Western Australian agricultural landscape, specifically our hemp industry, the diagnosis is clear: we are suffering from a chronic lack of vision and support from the state government.

The hundred million dollar vision

Imagine an industry worth one hundred million dollars by the next decade. That is the forecast from AgriFutures Australia regarding the potential for hemp across our nation. Our neighbours in New South Wales have already seen the writing on the wall. They are busy finalising a dedicated Hemp Industry Development Plan to capture this wealth. They understand that this is not just about a crop: it is about jobs, sustainable products, and a stronger economy for regional families. But here in the West, we seem content to let that opportunity drift across the border.

We are the forward thinkers who value evidence and progress. We know that hemp can provide solutions for building materials, textiles, and medicine. Yet, while other states are actively building the framework for success, our producers are left to navigate a vacuum. It is frustrating to see such untapped potential sitting idle in our soil.

A startling gap in the numbers

Recently in the House, I asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food to provide some perspective on where we stand compared to the East. The figures were a bitter pill to swallow. As of earlier this year, New South Wales boasted over two hundred and fifty licensed hemp facilities and more than one thousand hectares under cultivation. In contrast, Western Australia has only fifty three licences and a mere twenty five hectares under cultivation. The disparity is staggering.

This is not just a statistical quirk: it is a sign of a government that has failed to provide a map for the future. When I asked if we had a development plan of our own, the answer was effectively no. The government suggests that growing hemp is simply a commercial decision for farmers. This ignores the reality of the market. Without a clear plan and government backing, our farmers face risks that their interstate counterparts do not. We are watching our local producers be under-represented and undervalued.

I am committed to ensuring that our state uses science and evidence to drive our economy forward. For more updates on how we are fighting for common sense in Parliament, please subscribe to my YouTube channel at this link.

The cost of doing nothing

The danger of this inaction is visceral. While we wait, other markets are being cornered. Our farmers are missing out on the chance to diversify their income and protect their legacies. It is a sinking feeling to know that we have the land, the climate, and the talent, but we lack the political will to lead. We should be at the forefront of this industrial revolution, not trailing behind in the dust. The science is settled, and the economic benefits are proven. It is time we had a government that treats our hemp industry with the seriousness it deserves.

You can read the full exchange from the official Hansard record here. To support our work and help us build a greener, smarter future for Western Australia, I invite you to join Legalise Cannabis WA today.