Hon Pam Allen MP, Minister for the Environment That in light of: § its inquiry into the role of government in facilitating the international competitiveness of agriculture in New South Wales, and § the widespread community consultation that was conducted in 1997 by the NSW Environment Protection Authority in conjunction with the Government’s Discussion Paper on Improving Pesticide Management in NSW; the Standing Committee on State Development inquire into and report on issues associated with all pesticide use in NSW and options for future policy and/or programs related to the management of pesticides, including all agricultural chemicals, having particular regard to: § the sustainability of agricultural activities which currently rely on intensive pesticide use; § the social, health, environmental and trade interests of the agricultural and wider community, including the need for avoiding and reducing the risks associated with pesticide use; § the role of pesticide users, local government, State agencies and other stakeholders (including environment and other community groups) in the resolution of local conflicts in relation to pesticide use; and § any opportunities for industry to address the issues through research and development (on aspects such as less pesticide-dependent plant varieties, improved pesticide products and application techniques) and the development and implementation of best management practices for pesticide use. For the purposes of the inquiry, the Minister for the Environment has advised that the term pesticides includes herbicides, bactericides, pest baits, fungicides, insecticides, pest lures, rodenticides and pest repellents.

That in light of: § its inquiry into the role of government in facilitating the international competitiveness of agriculture in New South Wales, and § the widespread community consultation that was conducted in 1997 by the NSW Environment Protection Authority in conjunction with the Government’s Discussion Paper on Improving Pesticide Management in NSW; the Standing Committee on State Development inquire into and report on issues associated with all pesticide use in NSW and options for future policy and/or programs related to the management of pesticides, including all agricultural chemicals, having particular regard to: § the sustainability of agricultural activities which currently rely on intensive pesticide use; § the social, health, environmental and trade interests of the agricultural and wider community, including the need for avoiding and reducing the risks associated with pesticide use; § the role of pesticide users, local government, State agencies and other stakeholders (including environment and other community groups) in the resolution of local conflicts in relation to pesticide use; and § any opportunities for industry to address the issues through research and development (on aspects such as less pesticide-dependent plant varieties, improved pesticide products and application techniques) and the development and implementation of best management practices for pesticide use. For the purposes of the inquiry, the Minister for the Environment has advised that the term pesticides includes herbicides, bactericides, pest baits, fungicides, insecticides, pest lures, rodenticides and pest repellents.