Would you like to see a hemp industry in the NT? Natasha Fyles would

The Territory will have its own hemp industry by 2020, says NT Attorney-General Natasha Fyles

Hemp will be on the agenda in this month’s sittings, says NT AG Natasha Fyles

THE Territory will have its own hemp industry by 2020, says NT Attorney-General Natasha Fyles.

“The Northern Territory — the climate — certainly supports a hemp industry,” she said.

“Hemp is used in a number of products, and we have now put in place the legislative framework that will allow the industry to grow.

“But we need to make sure we do that right, it’s a highly regulated industry, there is different varieties.”

The pledge comes one day before the start of Parliament’s August sittings.

Ms Fyles said legislation to establish a hemp industry in the NT was part of its key commitments heading into the next two weeks

“This piece of legislation — in terms of a primary industry’s capacity — will allow a hemp industry to be established in the Northern Territory,” she said.

Opposition Leader Gary Higgins said it was an “exciting industry” which he raised when he was Primary Industry Minister.

“It creates an additional industry which the Northern Territory is needing at this time of economic uncertainty,” he said.

“We’re supportive of this job creating industry and hope the Gunner Labor Government gets on with the job.”

LAST DAY: Subscribe to NT News for $1 a week for first 12 weeks (min cost $4)

Ms Fyles was also committed to pushing through long-awaited grog reforms.

“The government has a strong agenda heading into the August parliamentary sittings,” she said.

“We’ll see the final phase of the of the alcohol polices and legislation review, with significant changes to shifting us towards a risk-based licensing model for liquor in the NT,” she said.