Mitchell argues for state of origin labelling

Brian Mitchell MP has argued in federal parliament for ‘region of origin’ labelling.

He was speaking in support of a ‘country of origin’ Bill, but said he wished the Bill went further.

“Just as we can no longer call Australian sparkling wine Champagne, no-one should be able to claim that something is Tasmanian if it is not,” he said.

“Last year I addressed the issue of a mainland gin operation marketing itself as a Tasmanian product on the basis it used a tiny sprinkling of Tasmanian saffron.”

Mr Mitchell says “region of origin” labelling would protect Tasmanian producers from “charlatans” who seek to piggyback on their hard work of developing world famous quality produce.

“I am also backing Justine Keay, the Member for Braddon, and her call for Tasmania to be a trial site for country of origin labelling for seafood (sold in restaurants),” Mr Mitchell said.

Full transcript will be available here: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard/Search?display=true&Canned=true&speakerID=129164
BRIAN MITCHELL MP FEDERAL LABOR MEMBER FOR LYONS