Fruit Fly

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee) (14:25): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries. Can the minister advise the house how much this escalating outbreak over the last 12 months has cost the horticultural industry in South Australia?

The Hon. D.K.B. BASHAM (Finniss—Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development) (14:25): I thank the member for his question.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. D.K.B. BASHAM: At this point in time, it's very difficult to put a sum on the impact on the particular industries, but it has certainly cost the government about $17 million in eradication processes to deal with the outbreak. It's very hard to put an actual number on what it has actually cost industry at this point in time.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, members on my right!