A Historic Day for Australian Hemp
Senate Inquiry Attendance Report
Parliament House, Canberra, 15 May 2026
Presented by iHemp NSW Inc
Report by Jaimie Milling, Contributions by Lisa Flower
On 15 May 2026, three iHemp NSW Executive Committee members (Maxine Shea, Colin Steddy, and President Jaimie Milling) travelled to Parliament House, Canberra, to appear before the Senate Inquiry into the Development of a Hemp Industry in Australia.
This was a defining moment not only for iHemp NSW and its members, but for the entire Australian industrial hemp industry. To stand before a Senate committee and advocate directly for growers, processors, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders was an extraordinary privilege, one reflecting years of grassroots effort, volunteer commitment, and a deeply shared belief in hemp’s potential for Australia.
The Senate committee convened for this inquiry was composed of some of Australia’s most experienced agricultural and regional affairs legislators. Presiding over the hearing was Committee Chair Senator Ross Cadell, supported by Committee Secretary Patrick Hodder. Joining them on the panel were Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, Senator Josh Dolega, Senator Tyron Whitten, and The Hon. Richard Calbeck.
The calibre of the panel underscored the seriousness with which the Senate is now approaching the industrial hemp sector, a welcome and long-overdue signal of political intent.
Presentation to the Senate Committee
Maxine Shea delivered the iHemp NSW presentation directly to the Senate panel, and her performance was exceptional. The submission she prepared was comprehensive, evidence-based, and deeply connected to the lived realities of Australian hemp farmers, processors, and manufacturers.
The presentation addressed:
- Overlapping regulatory frameworks
- The urgent need for processing infrastructure
- Workforce development
- Carbon sequestration opportunities
- Digital platform discrimination
- The strategic value of an industry levy
Every challenge facing the hemp sector was clearly articulated, alongside practical and considered solutions.
Acknowledgement of Lisa Flower
A special acknowledgement must also be extended to Lisa Flower, whose contribution to the inquiry and presentation cannot be overstated.
Behind every well-prepared submission is dedicated research, careful organisation, and the kind of quiet, tireless support that rarely receives the recognition it deserves, and Lisa provided all of this in abundance.
Her commitment to gathering and synthesising the evidence base underpinning Maxine’s presentation was instrumental in ensuring the submission was comprehensive, credible, and compelling. Lisa’s passion for the Australian hemp industry shines through in every page of the work she contributed to, and iHemp NSW is profoundly grateful for the generosity of her time, expertise, and unwavering dedication.
The strength of what was delivered before the Senate committee on 15 May 2026 reflects not only those who stood in the chamber that day, but also committed individuals like Lisa who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make it possible.
Her contribution is a testament to the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose that defines iHemp NSW at its very best.
“Growers are ready. Markets are emerging. This is not an industry of the future; it is an existing Australian industry ready to scale.”
— iHemp NSW Senate Submission, May 2026
A Defining Moment for the Industry
The impact in the chamber was palpable. Senators listened with genuine attention and engagement, the kind that signals a submission has landed.
There was a strong sense that the committee had been presented with exactly what was needed:
- A clear-eyed, industry-led picture of where hemp stands in Australia today
- A credible and actionable roadmap for where the industry could go with the right policy support
iHemp NSW came prepared, spoke with authority, and represented the industry with professionalism and passion.
On behalf of iHemp NSW, sincere thanks are extended to:
- Maxine Shea for the enormous effort invested in crafting and delivering the submission
- Colin Steddy and Jaimie Milling for their steadfast support throughout the day
This inquiry represents a genuine turning point — a moment where the Australian industrial hemp industry moved from the periphery to the centre of the national agricultural policy conversation.
The work continues, but 15 May 2026 is a day the industry will look back on with pride.
iHemp NSW Inc at Parliament House Senate Inquiry Canberra May 2026
Watch the full 6 hour Senate Enquiry
Notes:
- iHemp NSW appear at the 1hour mark
- Open in YouTube and watch at 1.5 speed
