Tasting Australia

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (14:55): My question is to the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. Can the minister please update the council about the program for Tasting Australia 2020?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (14:55): I thank the honourable member for his ongoing interest in that wonderful event known as Tasting Australia—interestingly, one that was established under the former Liberal government in the mid-nineties. Today I am delighted to announce that the program for Tasting Australia 2020 went live late last week.

Tasting Australia is South Australia's premier food and wine festival and one of the most celebrated and cutting edge in the country. It is the 14^th time that it has run, and in particular it is the fifth time that the event has been held annually. Tasting Australia is one of the most unique events of the festival season as well as one of the most celebrated.

Two Saturdays ago we announced that for the first time RAA Travel will be the presenting partner for the festival, which is fabulous. To have a presenting partner really elevates the event. We also announced that celebrity chefs and culinary legends Matt Moran, Mark Best and Dan Hong will be ambassadors for next year's event. We are delighted to have everyone on board as part of the Tasting Australia family. Of course, we will welcome back festival director Simon Bryant, beverage director Nick Stock and event manager Ross Ganf. We wish former program director Jock Zonfrillo all the very best as he moves into a hosting role with MasterChef. But on to the program.

The aim of Tasting Australia is of course to promote South Australia as a tourism destination and to showcase the very best our beautiful state has to offer. We all know South Australia has the best food and wine in the country, and it is fantastic to be able to share that with everyone. This year's Tasting Australia program will be curated by RAA Travel event patron, Cheong Liew, along with a selection of guest programmers from South Australia's most celebrated spots, including Africola, Sparkke at the Whitmore, Shobosho and many more.

We will see the return of the Glasshouse Kitchen, which has been greatly enjoyed in recent years, as well as brand-new events, such as the East End Cellars Masterclass, the Yalumba farmgate lunch with Matt Moran, a vintage tour and One Plate. The events range from long lunches to lessons from amazing professionals to in-depth discussions with industry and experts. Tasting Australia celebrates and brings together local and international talent, all in the love of amazing food and wine experiences.

This year the 2019 Tasting Australia event attracted 64,000 visitors to town square as well as 11,000 event-specific visitors from interstate and overseas. The event generated $5.5 million into the state's economy, solidifying Tasting Australia as one of the most exciting parts of Mad March. This next event, in 2020, runs from the 27 March to the 5 April and will have on offer more than 140 events.

I encourage everyone to tell their friends, their loved ones, their neighbours and everyone they know about next year's festival. There is something for everyone in next year's festival, and I look forward to taking part as much as possible and updating the chamber on the success in the new year.