[Greens-Media] Free-range victory in NSW Upper House

[John Kaye]

Free-range victory in NSW Upper House
 
Media release: 21 October 2011
 
The Greens Truth in Labelling Free-Range Eggs bill has passed through all significant stages in the Upper House today signalling a victory for the protection of free-range farmers and consumers, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
 
Dr Kaye said: "The Greens bill will see a standard definition of free-range eggs implemented with labelling requirements to ensure consumers get what they pay for. 
 
"The successful passage of the legislation through the NSW Upper House demonstrates that the majority of members support the rights of ethical consumers.
 
"While the Greens originally called for a free-range stocking density of 750 chickens per hectare Labor's amendments to the bill would see free-range defined as 1,500 birds per hectare. 
 
"Labor's amendments are a compromise but they are far better than the alternative which would see the Egg Corporation raise free-range stocking densities to 20,000 chickens per hectare.
 
"The Greens acknowledge the Shooters and Fishers party's support for the bill  which continues their track record of backing small producers and farmers.
 
"The success of the bill can be accredited to the tireless efforts of free-range farmers, consumers and non-government organisations who want the rights of ethical consumers to be enshrined in legislation.
 
"The bill still has a way to go. It needs to be passed through the Lower House with the support of the government.
 
"The Government must not squander this historical opportunity to protect the rights of ethical consumers and farmers. 
 
"Premier Barry O'Farrell needs to stand up to the Egg Corporation and the industrial caged egg producers to stop them increasing free-range stocking densities to a massive 20,000 birds per hectare," Dr Kaye said. 
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455
 
 
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John Kaye
Greens member of the NSW Parliament
phone: (02) 9230 2668
fax: (02) 9230 2586
mobile: 0407 195 455
email: john.kaye at parliament.nsw.gov.au
web: www.johnkaye.org.au
 
mail: Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000