Parliamentary Presentation

On the Thursday the 23^rd September at the Theatrette in Parliament House, the Macarthur Future Food Forum and the Sydney Food Fairness Alliance held a Food Security Briefing for NSW State Parliament.

The event was hosted by the Macarthur MP's Geoff Corrigan, Phil Costa, Andrew McDonald and Graeme West and was attended by a number of MP's and staff from all major political parties.

Parliamentary Presentation Proceedings

The session was opened by Geoff Corrigan (Member for Camden) who introduced and welcomed the people in attendance. Geoff explained where the idea for today's presentation came from and why it was important for government to be involved at all levels.

David Mason was the next speaker and he stressed how government needed to plan for food production and access issues. David Mason cited a number of overseas examples on how Development and Agriculture can co-exist.

Jane McIvor (Director of Sector Connect) then addre ssed the key issues that need to be covered in a NSW Food Policy. These include:

· Identification and protection of prime agricultural land and water supply

· Sustainability as a principal for agricultural production and distribution

· Caution in approving new food production and processing technologies to ensure food safety

· Access to affordable fresh food irrespective of income

· Promoting access to healthy foods through innovative measures such as tax reforms and subsidies

· Ensuring people have access to information so to make informed food choices

· Research and development in agriculture needs adequate funding

· Ensuring fair economic returns to farmers

· Support for local and regional food initiatives to improve food access

The session concluded in 30 mins with Jill Finnane (Sydney Food Fairness Alliance) calling for immediate action from the government. The first step being the setting up of a Food Council to oversee the development of a NSW Food Policy.

“The future is now here and we need an integrated government approach to address this, it needs to be done in partnership with NGO's, Primary Producers, Business and Government"

Where to next ?

Macarthur Future Food Forum and Sydney Food Fairness Alliance will be following up with distribution of a letter and synopsis of the Parliamentary Presentation to all current MP's and preselected members. This letter will be asking them to include a statement of support for a NSW Food Council.

Additionally, representatives from Macarthur Future Food Forum will be organising a time to meet with MP Phil Costa to further discuss strategies to keep the issues addressed at the Parliamentary Presentation on the political agenda.

How Can You Become Involved?

• Become an active member of Macarthur Future Food Forum
• Advocate for a NSW Food Policy to all local MPs

For a copy of the Food Declaration Presentation click here