Sustainable Agriculture

The Hon. M.C. PARNELL (14:39): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question to the Treasurer, representing the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, about sustainable agriculture.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M.C. PARNELL: There was an issue that was largely missed, I think, by most media last month—although the Victor Harbor Times did pick it up—and that was the European Union's decision to impose a carbon price of potentially $65 to $140 per tonne on various Australian exports, which may include agriculture. The European Union has endorsed a carbon border adjustment mechanism which will basically penalise exports from countries that are not doing enough on climate change. My questions to the minister are:

1. What steps will the government take to ensure that South Australian farmers are not left behind because of the recalcitrance of the federal government in taking meaningful action on climate change?

2. Will the state government commit to supporting South Australian farmers in all sectors to transition to environmentally sustainable farming in order to help them avoid European Union and other jurisdictions' carbon adjustment fees?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:41): I will be delighted to refer those questions to my colleague in another place and bring back a reply, but I'm sure, very quickly, the honourable member would acknowledge that his questions are being directed to the federal jurisdiction. I'm sure he would be quick to acknowledge the trailblazing work of this government in terms of acknowledging climate change and the many innovative policies our ministers are developing in recognition of that fact.