A Historic Moment for Hemp
A Historic Moment for Hemp: iHemp NSW at Parliament House for the Senate Inquiry. Australia’s industrial hemp industry took an important step forward this month, with iHemp NSW appearing before the Senate Inquiry into the Opportunities for the Development of a Hemp Industry in Australia at Parliament House in Canberra.
For those of us working within the hemp sector every day, from farming and manufacturing through to construction, wellness, education and retail, this was more than just another meeting in Canberra. It was a significant moment of recognition for an industry that has spent years building momentum, often with limited support, inconsistent regulation and ongoing public misunderstanding.
On 15 May 2026, iHemp NSW Executive Committee members Maxine Shea, Colin Steddy and President Jaimie Milling attended Parliament House to present directly to the Senate committee and advocate for the future of industrial hemp in Australia. The hearing brought together senators and decision-makers responsible for shaping regional development, agriculture and industry policy in Australia. The panel included Senator Ross Cadell, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, Senator Josh Dolega, Senator Tyron Whitten and theHon Richard Calbeck.
For many in the hemp industry, simply reaching this point has taken decades of persistence. Bringing Real Industry Experience to Canberra. One of the strongest parts of the submission was that it came directly from people actively working within the industry. Rather than presenting theory alone, the inquiry focused on practical realities faced by growers, processors, manufacturers and businesses operating across Australia today. The submission covered key issues, including:
- Regulatory reform and national harmonisation
- Processing and manufacturing infrastructure
- Regional jobs and workforce development
- Carbon sequestration and low-emission materials
- Digital platform discrimination against hemp businesses
- Investment pathways and industry development
- The need for stronger education and awareness around industrial hemp
According to the iHemp NSW report, every challenge raised was paired with practical solutions and pathways forward for government consideration.
At Hemp Collective, we see these issues firsthand.
Despite industrial hemp being legal, non-intoxicating and increasingly recognised globally for its versatility, businesses across Australia still face confusion, outdated perceptions and barriers across advertising, banking, policy and investment.
Yet at the same time, demand for sustainable products, low-waste alternatives and natural materials continues to grow rapidly.
IhempNSW starts at iHemp NSW at the 1hour mark.
Hemp Is More Than One Industry
One of the most important messages shared during the inquiry was that industrial hemp is not a niche product; it is an entire economic ecosystem. Hemp has applications across:
- Food and nutrition
- Personal care and wellness
- Construction and hemp building materials
- Textiles and fibre
- Bioplastics and packaging
- Animal products
- Regenerative agriculture
- Carbon storage and low-emission manufacturing
This “whole plant” opportunity is one of the reasons the industry continues gaining traction internationally.
Australia already produces world-class agricultural products. With the right support and infrastructure, hemp has the potential to become a major contributor to regional jobs, sovereign manufacturing, and circular-economy outcomes.
A Turning Point for Australian Hemp
The atmosphere inside the chamber reportedly reflected genuine engagement from the Senate panel, with senators actively listening and acknowledging both the opportunities and the barriers facing the sector.
For many involved, this felt like a turning point.
As stated in the iHemp NSW report:
“This inquiry represents a genuine turning point — a moment where the Australian industrial hemp industry moved from the periphery to the centre of national agricultural policy conversation.”
The inquiry also highlighted the enormous amount of volunteer work and collaboration that continues driving the industry forward behind the scenes.
The iHemp NSW President’s Report also recognised the advocacy work delivered by Maxine Shea throughout the inquiry process, describing her presentation to the Senate panel as “a masterclass in industry advocacy.” The report highlighted Maxine’s ability to clearly address key industry challenges, including regulatory reform, processing infrastructure, workforce development, carbon sequestration, digital platform discrimination and industry levies while presenting practical solutions and a clear pathway forward for the Australian industrial hemp industry.
The Future of Hemp in Australia
At Hemp Collective, we believe industrial hemp represents far more than a trend.
It represents an opportunity to rethink how products are made, how materials are sourced and how Australian industries can evolve toward more sustainable and circular systems.
From Australian-grown hemp seed oil used in personal care products through to hemp fibre and hemp building materials, the industry already exists — and it is growing.
As iHemp NSW stated during the inquiry:
“Growers are ready. Markets are emerging. This is not an industry of the future it is an existing Australian industry ready to scale.”
The next step is to ensure that policy, infrastructure and public understanding evolve alongside it. Hemp is no longer a future possibility – It is already here.
If you would like to become a member of iHemp NSW and help support the future growth of the industrial hemp industry in Australia, click the link here.
iHemp NSW is committed to advancing the NSW industrial hemp industry through advocacy, collaboration, education, and innovation, supporting growers, processors, manufacturers, researchers, and businesses, while championing the rights and interests of its members. Join as a member today