SMALL BLOCK IRRIGATORS EXIT GRANT SCHEME

The Hon. C.V. SCHAEFER (15:18): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the minister representing the minister for primary industries a question about the Small Block Irrigators Exit Grant scheme.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C.V. SCHAEFER: I recently received a press release headed 'Wineries angered by scrapping of irrigator exit grants' and stating:

The wine grape industry says that it is disappointed and surprised by the federal government's decision to scrap the Small Block Irrigators Exit Grant. The grants of up to $150,000 were due to finish this year, but growers expected strong demand would see the scheme extended for another year. Irrigators in the Murray Valley have heard that won't be happening. Mark McKenzie from the Wine Grape Growers of Australia said the decision will hurt growers hoping to leave the industry.

I think we have all seen examples in our Riverland of the decline of the economy and the need for small and unviable irrigators to be able to exit with some dignity.

At the Budget and Finance Committee meeting when PIRSA was questioned on 29 June, I sought some details on the various exit schemes that are available. It is my understanding that, while they are commonwealth grants, they are administered by the state government. I have been recently provided with the answers in writing.

As of 30 June this year, in South Australia, there were 254 applications for small block irrigator exit grants. Of those, none have been approved. The statistics further go on to show that 125 applications (less than half) were approved but not finalised, 58 applications were rejected, and 71 applications (nearly one third of all applications) were still being processed at the end of the financial year. So, in fact, no small block irrigators who have applied for that grant, as I see it, have any idea of whether they have it or not, and less than half have any chance of getting it.

My question to the minister is: what representations has the state government made to the federal government seeking that it speed up the process and seeking clarification as to why no approvals have yet been granted in this state? I also seek information as to a comparison between the approvals in this state and the approvals in other states for these small exit grants. Finally, does the state government intend to represent our small block irrigators in a more positive fashion?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (15:21): I will refer that question to my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries in the House of Assembly and bring back a reply.