Forestry Industry Advisory Council

Mr BELL (Mount Gambier) (15:02): My question is to the minister for forestry. Can the minister explain to the Forest Industry Advisory Council (FIAC) why he has not responded to the report and recommendations delivered to his department in March 2020, some 18 months ago?

The SPEAKER: Before the minister responds, I just remind the member for Mount Gambier of standing order 123 and the requirement to refer to the member by his parliamentary title. The minister, relevantly, is the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development.

The Hon. D.K.B. BASHAM (Finniss—Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development) (15:03): I thank the member for his question. My understanding is that I have met several times with FIAC and had several discussions in relation to that said report and have been working with that group on the recommendations in that said report, so I am at a bit of a loss to say that we have not responded. We have been in engagement in that process over many months. Yes, there have been some delays due to COVID and opportunities to meet, but I have met with them personally several times.