We'll call our meeting to order.
We have Greg Meredith here from the Department of Agriculture.
Greg, thanks very much for being here.
Before we move into the presentation, I would like to remind the members of the following:
Particular attention has been paid to the questioning of public servants. The obligation of a witness to answer all questions put by the committee must be balanced against the role that public servants play in providing confidential advice to their Ministers. The role of the public servant has traditionally been viewed in relation to the implementation and administration of government policy, rather than the determination of what that policy should be. Consequently, public servants have been excused from commenting on the policy decisions made by the government.
With that, Greg, we'll turn it over to you for your presentation and opening remarks.