Building Better Regions Fund

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:24): Supplementary: why hasn't the minister written to her federal colleagues in support of this grant?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:25): I did answer this question yesterday, I believe, but I'm happy to answer again in that I have been advocating on many occasions to several of the federal ministers about this matter. I have spoken in regard to the implications on primary production and how important it is for our primary producers, particularly in the South-East. I have advocated in terms of the benefits to the regions and the benefits to the regional economy. I have advocated in regard to many different factors, and my office has been in contact with several of those ministers on a number of occasions.