PHYLLOXERA

Mr VENNING (Schubert) (14:35): It is a rare thing indeed; it is indeed an honour! My question is to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation. Is our protection against the phylloxera insect compromised by changes to the regulations no longer requiring the disinfection of grape harvesters and other machinery and equipment moving between phylloxera exclusion zones?

The government recently weakened the rules protecting our grape and wine industry from phylloxera. The changes to the regulations mean that South Australia will now allow entry of grape harvesters (and other machinery and equipment) from other states if those transporting them can simply show proof that they have come from a phylloxera-free zone, without having to clean the equipment. Both New South Wales and Victoria have phylloxera and South Australia has always been phylloxera free.

The SPEAKER: Member for Schubert, what insect did you say?

Mr VENNING: Phylloxera.

Members interjecting:

Mr VENNING: You should know.

The SPEAKER: Thank you. Minister.

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:36): As I understand it, the phylloxera board has made some recommendations about the very important issue that the member for Schubert identifies, that is, the management of phylloxera in this state, and I think it is an announcement, as I understand, that my colleague in the other place—the Hon. Gail Gago, the appropriate minister—has responded to. I am not across the fine detail.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: Well, I know that you might expect that—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P. CAICA: —but I will get those details, of course, and get back to the member for Schubert and, maybe, I might just catch him outside afterwards and do it in a timely fashion for him.