Where I stand - Hon Philip Gardiner MLC
A significant part of politics is about taking a stand on issues. On this page I briefly outline his position on some of the issues being debated in parliament and the community.
Global warming and climate change
I believe that the fundamental point in global warming is the intensity with which we are taking action. Global warming is not all because of us; natural forces are hugely influencing climate change. In my opinion every household and business should be held accountable for their emissions. In the same way each person is liable to file a tax return, everyone shouldfill in a carbon footprint form annually. I believe in the emissions trading scheme (ETS) strategy to get a carbon price, as this is the only way that allows us the freedom of choice to make a decision about what we have to do to reduce carbon emissions. For more of my thoughts on climate change, read an excerpt from Hansard on 1 July 2010.
GM
I support genetically modified crops in Western Australia. Nonetheless, I am very concerned that the added herbicide use will exacerbate the resistance of weeds to glyphosate. I am working with stakeholders, including Monsanto as the developer of the chemical and supplier of the GM technology, to implement a more rigorous stewardship agreement with the grower to ensure the adoption of fundamental practices to prevent any further onset of resistance.
Mandatory sentencing
While I deplore anyone who treats police and other public officers with contempt, my research into mandatory sentencing in other jurisdictions suggests that such laws alone are not enough and will not be effective. I relayed my concerns to the Attorney General and have strongly encouraged Government to employ an education campaign around the laws.
Multi peril crop insurance (MPCI)
One of my Parliamentary colleagues, Nigel Hallett and I have been working across party lines to develop a commercial MPCI package for WA farmers. This has followed the Commonwealth’s positive response from several Federal Parliamentarians for the development of the popular risk management program. Such a package would improve production security against the unique natural risks to which Western Australia’s grain growers are exposed.
Curtin University’s Muresk campus
In November last year National Party Leader Brendon Grylls asked me to conduct an independent review into the future and commercial viability of Curtin’s Muresk Institute after the University announced plans to relocate its agribusiness courses to the Bentley campus. My review, completed in February, included 22 recommendations, and is available on this website.