Industry Response to the Senate Inquiry:
Opportunities for the Development of an Industrial Hemp Industry in Australia
The response to Senator Richard Colbeck’s call for submissions to the Senate Standing Committees on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport’s inquiry into the Opportunities for the Development of an Industrial Hemp Industry in Australia was both strong and diverse, with 64 submissions received from across the nation. Submissions came from farmers, processors, researchers, builders, health and wellness product manufacturers, advocacy groups, and government agencies, reflecting the depth and breadth of interest in unlocking hemp’s full potential for Australia. A number of consistent themes emerged across the submissions.
Agronomic advantages
Many highlighted the agronomic advantages of hemp as a sustainable, low-input crop that fits well into regenerative farming systems, supporting soil health, carbon sequestration, and water efficiency. There was a strong emphasis on regional economic development, with hemp positioned as a diversification opportunity for farmers and a driver of new jobs in processing and manufacturing.
Regulatory reform
Stakeholders also focused on the urgent need for regulatory reform, calling for the removal of industrial hemp from drug-related legislation and for national harmonisation of licensing, THC thresholds, and compliance systems. The inquiry revealed that fragmented regulations are among the largest barriers to growth, limiting investment and cross-border trade.
Value-added manufacturing
Submissions underscored the growing potential for value-added manufacturing, particularly in hemp-based building materials, textiles, bioplastics, food, and wellness products. The construction and materials sector featured prominently, with strong calls to fast-track building code recognition for hempcrete and fibre board, and to align with international standards to enable rapid scaling.
Research and development investment
A further theme was the need for increased research and development investment, particularly in seed genetics, agronomy, processing technology, and product innovation. Stakeholders called for coordinated national leadership and industry collaboration to link research institutions, growers, and manufacturers.
In summary
Overall, the submissions presented a unified message: industrial hemp represents a significant economic, environmental, and social opportunity for Australia, but its success depends on policy alignment, investment in infrastructure, and continued cross-sector collaboration. The level of engagement in this inquiry highlights a maturing, motivated, and solutions-focused industry ready to contribute to Australia’s low-carbon, circular, and regionally based future.