Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA (Hartley—Leader of the Opposition) (14:14): My question is to the Premier. Did the government consider any potential alternative measures before making orders pursuant to the Plant Health Act on 23 September 2024?

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier) (14:14): I did have an opportunity in recent days to speak to the chief inspector of biosecurity within PIRSA. Naturally, one of the matters we discussed is at what point these types of decisions get made in a decision-making matrix, so to speak. It is clear that the department is well aware of the severity of the consequences for those people who are affected when they make a decision of this nature, and they don't make it lightly. I am satisfied, from the inquiries that we have made, that PIRSA are acting in accordance with the law, but more importantly, they are acting in accordance with the best interests of everybody who works within the industry throughout the state.

The Leader of the Opposition, and I'm sure all who are observing these events unfold, would appreciate that sometimes governments and their officials have to make tough decisions to protect the interests of everybody else.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS: Of course, the Leader of the Opposition interjects and points out 'like COVID' and he's right—he's absolutely right. During the course of COVID, the Leader of the Opposition might recall that those on this side of the house provided absolute bipartisan support—

The Hon. J.A.W. Gardner: Absolute.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS: —absolute bipartisan support to the government of the day. I note that the Leader of the Opposition has called for a review. I'm not too sure what exactly he is proposing to review, but the simple fact is this: our officials are making the best decisions they can with the information that's available to them, in the interests of the industry and the people who work within it.