Answers to Questions

Sheep Industry Fund

In reply to Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (25 May 2015).

The Hon. L.W.K. BIGNELL (Mawson—Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Tourism, Minister for Recreation and Sport, Minister for Racing):

The Sheep Industry Fund is administered by the South Australian Sheep Advisory Group (SASAG), which met on 25 May 2016 to discuss its funded projects for 2016-17. Once the fund's 2016-17 budget is formally endorsed by the Sheep Advisory Group it is sent to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries for approval.

Given the Sheep Advisory Committee has only recently adopted its budget, and pending the Minister's approval of the SASAG proposed budget, the increase in the contribution rate, if supported, is likely to be in place within several months.

This time frame has been incorporated into the fund's budget and will enable all of the advisory group's current programs and future projects to assist and promote the South Australian sheep industry.