Page 1059 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 21 March 2012
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(f) that in 1997 the Legislative Assembly passed legislation prohibiting the production and sale of cage-eggs in the Territory on animal welfare grounds, but that this had not come into force due to other jurisdictions not agreeing to its implementation as required under the Mutual Recognition Act 1992; and
(g) that previously this Government has sought to offer initiatives to Parkwood Eggs to convert to a barn-laid facility; and
(2) calls on the Government to:
(a) undertake further negotiations with Parkwood Farm to convert to a barn-laid facility; and
(b) report back to the Assembly in the May sittings.
I rise today to discuss the matter of egg farming in the ACT, more specifically the operation of Parkwood farm in west Belconnen. This is an issue that has been before this Assembly on a number of occasions over the years. It is also a matter that has been particularly topical over the last week or so following a break-in at the Parkwood facility on 12 March 2012.
Parkwood farm is a cage egg production and egg-grading facility located in my electorate in west Belconnen, near the old Belconnen landfill site. The facility is owned by Pace Farm, which is the largest egg producer in Australia, with facilities in several jurisdictions. Parkwood farm is a key component of the Pace Farm business, with capacity for approximately 200,000 chickens on site and daily production of around 170,000 eggs when at capacity. The farm is located in close proximity—
Members interjecting—
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Mr Hargreaves): Order! Members of the opposition, could you keep it down a little, please.
MS PORTER: The farm is located in close proximity to the key markets where packed eggs are distributed. It is also strategically located in relation to nearby farms that supply eggs—
Members interjecting—
Mr Coe: On a point of order, Mr Assistant Speaker.
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Coe.
Mr Coe: You just called the opposition for talking. I wonder whether those on the frontbench opposite might be called to do the same.
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Thank you very much, Mr Coe. There is no point of order. I did not; I merely asked you to lower the volume. That was all it was. Ms Porter, the floor is yours.
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