Question Time

Grain Industry

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (14:14): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Did the minister consult with regional communities and farming families on giving the CFS powers to force farmers to stop harvesting?

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:14): I thank the leader for the question. He is referring to the bill that I introduced yesterday. This bill had been sitting around for a long, long time in this house. I know those opposite didn't progress this, and I know a lot of consultation had been done. I made it very clear yesterday, and I will make the point again to the leader today, that the intention of this element of the bill is very clear. Ninety-nine per cent of people do the right thing. There is a code in place.

The SPEAKER: I ask the minister not to refer specifically to a bill that may be before the house.

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD: My apologies. The question related to that, so I got sidetracked. As far as the consultation goes, I have made very clear to the grain producers of South Australia, and in fact I have mentioned it before in this house, that we are very happy to work with them. There is an issue out there that the other side would be aware of. In the time that these reviews and reports have been going through this place—I think it all started back in 2012 with the first incarnation of a private member's bill, then a number of reports were done around 2013, so this issue has been before the house for a long time and there has been ongoing consultation.

What has been put in place is a harvesting code, which is absolutely outstanding. Most jurisdictions abide by this code. I was just speaking with Grain Producers SA at a breakfast this morning. We talked about how that code could be enhanced to make sure that technology is involved and makes it even better. I am very happy to be working with the grain producers. We work hand in glove with all the key stakeholders. I have made it abundantly clear that I will work with them to make sure that we get the right outcomes.

The intent of what we are putting forward here is to make sure that the people who are doing the right thing won't notice any difference. We are looking to make sure that we do not allow people doing the wrong thing to get away with it. No-one wants to see a fire in their region. I know that Grain Producers SA are very much behind that as well. We have seen the devastation of bushfires and fires through crop areas in South Australia, and we want to make sure that we have the best legislation to ensure that everyone is safe.

The SPEAKER: Before I move on to the Leader of the Opposition, I will remind members that standing orders exist to keep members on the straight and narrow. Standing order 118 states:

Debates of the same session not to be referred to

A Member may not refer to a debate on a question or Bill of the same session unless that question or Bill is presently being discussed.

In case we get to it, standing order 119 states:

Reflections upon votes of the House

A Member may not reflect upon a vote of the House except for the purpose of moving that the vote be rescinded.

I just point that out. The question was asked and was not called out of order. There was no objection and I allowed it. We move on to the Leader of the Opposition.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Point of order, sir: there are precedents in this place from the last parliament.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I will hear it.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Thank you, sir. The former opposition sought clarification from then Speaker Atkinson regarding asking about policy matters before the parliament—for example, the major transport development levy and, of course, the bank tax. Speaker Atkinson ruled that questions about that policy were in order.

The SPEAKER: I will take that on board. Thank you, member for West Torrens. The Leader of the Opposition.