Legalise Cannabis Party Announces $600 Million Hemp Innovation Fund at Margaret River Facility

In a bold move to fast-track Australia’s sustainable future, the Legalise Cannabis Party has announced the creation of a $600 million Hemp Innovation Fund, unveiled during a special event at the Margaret River Hemp Co. facility. The announcement marks a historic step in recognising hemp as a key solution to some of Australia’s most pressing challenges—economic revitalisation, environmental sustainability, and regional job creation.

The proposed fund includes $300 million from the Western Australian Government, with an additional $300 million matched federally by Senate candidate Jason Meotti, contingent on the national legalisation of recreational cannabis.

A Vision for Regional Regeneration

The Hemp Innovation Fund would be used to support research, processing infrastructure, agribusiness development, and export growth in the hemp sector—particularly in regional and rural communities.

"This fund isn’t just about hemp. It’s about smart, clean jobs for Australians—especially in regional areas that have long been overlooked. Industrial hemp can fuel innovation in textiles, construction, food, and packaging—all while supporting a healthier planet," said Meotti.

Legalise Cannabis WA is positioning this as a transformational industry fund, unlocking Australia's potential to become a world leader in hemp production and innovation.

Why Hemp?

Hemp is one of the most versatile and sustainable crops on the planet. It requires minimal water, grows quickly, and sequesters carbon from the atmosphere. It can be used to produce everything from eco-friendly building materials like hempcrete to high-protein foods, biodegradable packaging, and textiles.

Yet despite its enormous potential, the hemp industry in Australia remains underdeveloped—held back by outdated cannabis laws, inconsistent regulation, and limited access to capital.

"We’ve been working in hemp for over two decades—and what we need now is investment to match the opportunity," said Gary Rogers, founder of Hemp Homes Australia.

Rogers added: "This is an extension of the previously announced WA funding. Jason’s announcement is the first federal commitment, and it’s incredibly encouraging to see a real pathway emerging for national support of the hemp sector."

A Ground-Up Commitment

The announcement at Margaret River Hemp Co. was deeply symbolic—made from one of Australia’s most advanced hemp processing sites, and a hub for innovation in hempcrete construction, food products, and textiles.

"This is about building the supply chain from the ground up—supporting growers, processors, manufacturers and educators. It's a future-proof industry, and it's time we treated it like one," said Wilkinson.

Seen on 7NEWS Regional

The announcement also featured in a 7NEWS Regional WA broadcast, where Meotti shared:

“Hemp is a type of cannabis plant. It grows quickly and has various uses… The hemp industry is sitting in the wings waiting for a green light.”

The segment, which aired approximately 6 minutes into the bulletin, spotlighted the Margaret River facility and emphasised the critical role it plays in national supply chain development.

“This is a hemp stalk; It comes here to the Margaret River factory to be processed into various products including textiles, building materials, pet bedding, and even internal car panelling.”

What's Next

The fund’s creation is contingent on cannabis legalisation, but momentum is growing. Legalise Cannabis WA has increased its candidate numbers significantly this election cycle and continues to campaign for regulatory change that supports both medical and industrial cannabis sectors.

The Hemp Innovation Fund is a tangible blueprint for what cannabis legalisation could make possible—not just culturally, but economically and environmentally.