Dr Anthony Kachenko Environmental & Technical Policy Manager Nursery & Garden Industry Australia

In early 2011, the Federal Attorney-General's Department released a discussion paper on the 'Implementation of model drug schedules for Commonwealth serious drug offences'. In it they proposed to expand the list of federally prohibited plants including all Angel's Trumpets, many common cacti, wattles, as well as many other common ornamental plants. As it stands, the list currently has 5 types of plants that are prohibited from cultivation and sale including Cannabis.

Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) provided the Federal Attorney-General's Department with a detailed written submission outlining their objections to this proposal. Their submission was endorsed by:

• Australian Institute of Landscape Design and Management
• Australian Institute of Horticulture Inc.
• Institute of Australian Consulting Arboriculturists
• National Interior Plantscape Association

Several arguments were put forward within the submission including the lack of data to suggest that there is an increasing misuse of any plants captured by this expanded list of plants as well as the confusion in terms of what plants can't be cultivated and sold due to the expanded list of plants. NGIA were also concerned that they were not asked to provide input through consultation in the development of the model schedules. They noted that this was disappointing considering the ramifications of this proposal on industry. To view the full submission, click here or contact Dr Anthony Kachenko, NGIA Environmental and Technical Policy Manager at (02) 8922 7006 or anthony.kachenko@ngia.com.au for a copy.

A copy has also been posted on www.hortjournal.com.au