EQUINE INFLUENZA

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (15:15): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government, representing the Minister for Racing, a question regarding equine flu.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: I have had a series of meetings with representatives from the Port Lincoln Racing Club and the South Australian Jockey Club regarding the ongoing costs of segregating crowds and horses at race meetings, stemming from the outbreak of equine flu. The ongoing cost of maintaining segregation at race meetings is quite substantial. Given that we are about to head into the highly successful Port Lincoln Cup Carnival and the Adelaide Cup Carnival, what representations has the minister made on behalf of the industry to bring this situation to a conclusion?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (15:16): I thank the honourable member for his question. I guess it involves not only the Minister for Racing but also the Minister for Primary Industries, who is responsible for the veterinary services. They set the conditions in relation to equine flu. It is an important question as we are about to embark upon a very important part of the racing calendar, and I am sure all of us are looking forward to the Adelaide Cup Carnival. It is one of the highlights on the calendar, particularly since it has been changed to a time of the year when the weather is more likely to be favourable, and I am sure it will be a great meeting. It is a reasonable question, and I will refer it to the relevant minister for his immediate response.