Foot-and-Mouth Disease

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:36): I seek leave to make a brief statement before asking the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development a question regarding foot-and-mouth disease.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: The New South Wales government has announced $164 million in funding to address growing biosecurity concerns that threaten the agricultural industry. With outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin in Indonesia, New South Wales Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales, Paul Toole, has said, 'We want to make sure biosecurity does not become the next big issue.' My questions to the minister are:

1. Will the Malinauskas Labor government follow the strong leadership of New South Wales and emulate its investment to address biosecurity concerns that threaten South Australia's agricultural industry?

2. What efforts are being made by the Malinauskas Labor government to investigate the development and/or acquisition of appropriate vaccines which would allow livestock to be vaccinated against the disease whilst keeping trade open?

3. What is her government doing to make sure foot-and-mouth disease does not become the next big issue for South Australia's livestock industry?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:37): As I mentioned in answer to the previous question, we are working closely with our national colleagues and also in cross-jurisdictional forums to ensure that this issue is addressed.