Friday, 28 August 2026

 Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:34): (1458) My question is for the Minister for Agriculture in the other place. The Victorian government’s Medicinal Cannabis Industry Development Plan aims to supply half of Australia’s medicinal cannabis market by 2028. However, Invest Victoria’s website shows limited grants programs and still leads to a page that has no information to support the government’s development plan for this industry. Medicinal cannabis is one of the fastest growing industries worldwide, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 16 per cent. The medicinal cannabis industry is growing rapidly, and Victoria should be leading, not leaving businesses behind. It is time for the government to turn its industry plan into action. We need a clear pathway for businesses to access investment grants, research partnerships, infrastructure support and export assistance. Can the minister please advise how the government is supporting the growth of the medicinal cannabis industry in Victoria.

 Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (12:35): I thank Ms Payne for her question, and I will refer it for an answer accordingly.

 Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:36): I thank the minister for referring it on. According to the Office of Drug Control, approximately only 25 per cent of cannabis is produced in Australia, in comparison to medicinal cannabis that is imported from countries such as Canada and Thailand. This highlights a significant challenge for cultivators and manufacturers in Victoria. While the Victorian government has ambitions to develop a strong domestic medicinal cannabis industry, local businesses are competing in a market where imported products can benefit from large-scale overseas cultivation and production. Would the minister commit to meeting with the Victorian medicinal cannabis cultivators to hear directly about the barriers they face and work with them to progress the implementation of the government’s Medicinal Cannabis Industry Development Plan?

 Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (12:36): Again I thank Ms Payne for her question for the Minister for Agriculture. In accordance with the standing orders I will refer it on.