Answers to Questions

STOCK STARVATION

118 The Hon. SANDRA KANCK (24 October 2007).

1. Is the minister aware of claims that South-East landholder, Mr Tom Brinkworth, has had thousands of his stock die of starvation over the past two years?

2. How many reports have been lodged about Mr Brinkworth with the agencies under the minister's auspices and also with the RSPCA in the past two years?

3. What action has been taken on those reports?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health):

1. I am aware that serious allegations have been made about the welfare of cattle owned by Mr Brinkworth.

2. No reports were received by agencies in my portfolio. The RSPCA has advised that this issue arose in March 2007. Since that date the Society has received 12 reports from members of the public regarding dead and dying cattle on Mr Brinkworth's property.

3. I am advised that the RSPCA has conducted several inspections of the properties owned by Mr Brinkworth and its investigations are on-going. Officers of the RSPCA and Primary Industries and Resources SA have met with Mr Brinkworth. Given that the investigations are on-going it would be inappropriate to provide further details at this time.