1.Victorian councils may vote to stay GM free
2.GM-free Western Australia guaranteed if Labor is returned

EXTRACT: "A well-funded GM-free certification and marketing program in Western Australia, for four more years, will allow the strong demand for GM-free foods to be met in Australia and overseas." (item 2)
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1.Victorian councils may vote to stay GM free
ABC News, 3 September 2008
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/200809/s2354094.htm

Councils around Victoria are considering staying free of genetically modified crops, even though the State Government ended its GM ban last year.

A Gippsland council will vote next month on a request to the State Government, to declare the shire GM-free.

Bendigo Council is considering a similar move.

Melbourne lawyer Joe Lederman says legislation could give regional councils the go-ahead, because the Agriculture Minister can designate GM-free zones within the state.

"There is scope for councils to make decisions like this, but they do need the co-operation of the state government and the minister in particular to assist them to pass the law, which will give legal effect to what they wish."
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2.GM-free WA guaranteed if Labor is returned
Gene Ethics Media Release, 3 September 2008

The Carpenter government today made bold commitments to GM-free (no Genetically Manipulated crops). Their comprehensive GM-free policies are a bonanza for WA [Western Australia] food and farming industries.

"A well-funded GM-free certification and marketing program in Western Australia, for four more years, will allow the strong demand for GM-free foods to be met in Australia and overseas," says Gene Ethics Director Bob Phelps.

"Open market access at price premiums will be assured.

"For instance, Woolworths guarantees its Own Brand canola oil is GM-free, because it's grown in WA! Goodman Fielder, that uses 40% of Australia's canola crop, now labels Meadowlea spread as GM-free. Over 150 other local companies also label GM-free creating strong demand. Coles say over 90% of its customers want GM-free and will supply them. And Japanese buyers now have long-term contracts with Kangaroo Island (SA) growers for GM-free canola at good premiums.

"We also applaud the government's commitment to research the GM-free solutions to land and water degradation and climate change, using tried and true plant breeding methods instead of flawed and failed GM techniques.

"The government's commitment to explore GM food safety through a $1 million research program is doing the job that Food Standards Australia NZ should be doing to keep public trust in safety of the whole food supply," Mr Phelps says.

"We also congratulate the Greens, Christian Democrats and One Nation. They supported a similar range of GM-free policies to the ALP, when they answered the Gene Ethics' GM election questionnaire.

"All these GM-free parties would maintain the GM ban, but if it were lifted by a pro-GM government they would all demand GM management measures, including:
*a public register of all GM crop sites;
*all animal feed to be labelled GM or GM-free; and
*strict liability laws to make GM companies liable for GM contamination.

"They would also back the labelling of every food made using GM techniques, which has the support of over 90% of the Australian people," he says.

"In contrast, the Liberal/National coalition is a GM policy-free zone as neither party answered Gene Ethics' searching pre-poll questions.

"Their policy to open the floodgates on GM crops and foods if they win government would not manage the treacherous transition into GM crops and foods.

"GM contamination would be inevitable and irreversible under the Coalition.

"GM-free is a key election issue for voters on Saturday and we are optimistic that Western Australia will continue to be part of a GM-free coalition with SA, Tasmania and the ACT," Mr Phelps concludes.

More comment from: Bob Phelps 03 9347 4500/0449 769 066
Election comment authorised by:
Bob Phelps
Executive Director
Gene Ethics
60 Leicester St, Carlton 3053 Australia
Tel:      1300 133 868 or 03 9347 4500 {Int Code +613}
Mob:    0449 769 066
Fax:    03 9341 8199
Email:        This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
WWW: http://www.geneethics.org

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