Industrial Hemp

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (15:19): Has the minister taken any interest in the fact that the Industrial Hemp Act falls under her portfolio, and has she acquainted herself with not just the industry but the researchers?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: Point of order: it is a very good try, but I cannot see how that possibly can relate to the original answer.

The PRESIDENT: Thanks for your encouragement, the Hon. Mr Hunter. I will take the supplementary. Minister, would you like to provide an answer?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:20): I am very interested in all of the industries of our state, particularly those industries that have an impact on regional South Australia. The Malinauskas Labor government is one that is very keen to ensure that we have a growth agenda going forward. Of course, we were elected because of our focus on the future, something that the former government didn't seem to achieve. In terms of the industries that fall within my portfolio, I am very fortunate to have the portfolio of primary industries, regional development and forest industries.

The Hon. I.K. Hunter: And we're lucky to have you.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: Thank you very much.

The PRESIDENT: Interjections are out of order, the Hon. Mr Hunter. Minister, ignore them, please.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: So far in my eight weeks as minister I have been meeting with a number of stakeholders across a number of different industries, and of course I have also undertaken a number of regional trips already. I understand that I have had an introductory briefing in regard to the matter that the member has raised, and of course I am looking forward to pursuing further opportunities for the state, for regional industries, and indeed contributing as part of the Malinauskas Labor government, as part of the Malinauskas Labor team, to be able to encourage business and encourage industry in our state. We are very fortunate, I think, to have Peter Malinauskas, or the member for Croydon, as our leader, because this is a leader who has a vision for the future—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: —something that sadly has been lacking for the previous four years.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: I look forward to providing further information—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: —on this particular industry in due course.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!