CHRISTIAN Democratic Party (CDP) WA Senate hopeful Dr Mark Imisides wants to give primary producers greater voice in federal parliament and increase the scientific focus on delivering policy outcomes.
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Dr Imisides was engaged as a chemical consultant by the Hills Orchard Improvement Group (HOIG) in Perth, to try and overturn the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s (APVMA) moves to ban the fruit-fly insecticide fenthion.
He said that experience showed him that politicians and bureaucrats in Canberra can make decisions that affect WA farmers “on a whim”, despite the consequences.
But Dr Imisides said if he was elected for the CDP at the July 2 poll, he’d be in a position to bring politicians and bureaucrats to account, using his scientific expertise, on issues like the banning of fenthion which impact producers’ livelihoods.
“When you look below the surface there are green tentacles worming their way into every area of our life,” he said in regards to bureaucratic challenges around environmental regulatory approvals.
“I have no idea how deep the rabbit hole goes.
“A green fog has descended on the nation and it is killing Australian businesses.
“Whether it’s the APVMA banning pesticides that have been safely used for 60 years, or the Department of Environmental Regulation telling graziers that their land is now an environmentally sensitive area that they cannot graze on, or businesses having to pay arbitrary environmental offsets, it’s about time someone that understood the science involved stood against it.”
Dr Imisides said if given the opportunity at parliamentary level would hold the APVMA to account in a way they’re not at the moment.
“Then I could get to work on the other examples of bureaucratic greentape that are stifling the nation,” he said.
“I can do this simply because I know more about the environment than they do.
“This needs someone with scientific and political clout.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity for primary producers to get a voice at federal level.”
Colin Bettles
Has been the Canberra Bureau Chief for Fairfax Agricultural Media since 2010 - survived the hung parliament - former media manager at Western Australian Cricket Association now covering national agricultural and rural issues in federal politics.
Has been the Canberra Bureau Chief for Fairfax Agricultural Media since 2010 - survived the hung parliament - former media manager at Western Australian Cricket Association now covering national agricultural and rural issues in federal politics.
