The Nationals WA agriculture spokesman and Stirling MLA Terry Redman said today that while mandatory state-of-origin labelling could be challenged on constitutional grounds, there were options available to the State Government to support growing public opinion on the issue.
"The Buy WA First campaign is a well-known brand that promotes local industry," Mr Redman said.
"However, when it comes to labelling food under the Buy WA First initiative, it is quite possible that the primary product could come from outside WA and, in fact, still meet the Buy WA First branding requirements.
"Consumers want the confidence of knowing that if they purchase a food product with Buy WA First branded on it, then they can expect that the primary ingredient comes from WA."
Mr Redman said that by calling for an additional qualifier - that food products carrying the Buy WA First logo must have their primary ingredient grown, farmed or fished in Western Australia - The Nationals would be confident that consumer expectations were met.
"This approach would ensure local producers get the marketing edge they want and also give confidence to consumers that the food item they are purchasing has been grown, farmed or fished in WA," Mr Redman said.
"It concerns me that the Minister for Agriculture has not made any strong statements in support of state-of-origin labelling, in support of West Australian producers, or in support of consumer preference, and I call on him to do so."
