Beekeeping

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. J.A. Darley:

That the regulations made under the Livestock Act 1997 concerning beekeeping made on 19 December 2017 and laid on the table of this council on 3 May 2018 be disallowed.

(Continued from 20 June 2018)

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (18:22): I rise to indicate that I will be withdrawing my motion of disallowance and I want to put on the record the motivation behind the motion. Recently, a number of changes to beekeeping have been made as a result of a national code of practice being introduced. This code has been in the making for a number of years and industry stakeholders finally reached agreement last year. However, there were concerns raised by some within the industry about certain elements of the code, with some criticising the consultation which occurred.

One of the main issues of concern with the new code of practice and the regulations which underpin the code was the manner in which PIRSA was going to regulate and administer the act. As many members will know, it is often not the rules which are the problem, it is the manner in which they are interpreted and enforced that can cause a problem. What was important for me was to receive an undertaking from the minister and the department that these new requirements would be enforced in a cooperative manner, with an emphasis on assisting and educating beekeepers rather than imposing punitive punishment.

I understand penalties are required in order to address those who continually do the wrong thing; however, minor indiscretions should be dealt with by way of education and a warning. As such, I was heartened to receive a letter from Scott Ashby, Chief Executive, PIRSA, advising that, and I quote:

PIRSA intends to work closely with the industry to support and educate apiarists, rather than merely prosecute those that don't conform immediately to the new regulations. To support this approach a Bee Biosecurity Officer has been employed to work with industry on the new arrangements. This position is jointly funded by industry and PIRSA. Apiarists will not be penalised for minor breaches of the regulations. Proactive education in collaboration with industry is our preferred approach.

This is very encouraging, and there should be no doubt who will be the first to speak out if this is found not to be the case. I want to thank the minister, his staff and the department for assisting with this issue. A round table was held a few weeks ago with stakeholders and the department to discuss some of the issues. Whilst there was no consensus at the conclusion of the meeting, I believe it was helpful to ensure that all sides were heard and understood. I seek leave to withdraw the motion.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: I move:

That this order of the day be discharged.

Motion carried; order of the day discharged.