Biosecurity

194 The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) ().30 November 2022). Can the minister advise:

1. How has PIRSA reprioritised staff resources to focus on emergency animal disease preparedness activities?

2. What is the total FTE reprioritised to focus on emergency animal disease preparedness activities?

3. What is the level and title of the reprioritised staff?

4. What is the length of term of the reallocation of these resources?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries):

1. Biosecurity threats are ever present and PIRSA is routinely involved in ongoing activities to support EAD preparedness.

In response to the most recent EAD threats, PIRSA has refocused 'business-as-usual' activities to prioritise emergency animal disease preparedness for these diseases. All government funded animal health programs (e.g. disease surveillance, epidemiology and risk, market access and field operations) have a priority focus on EAD preparedness.

2. All government funded animal health programs, including a total of 30 animal health staff to date, have a heightened focus on EAD preparedness and awareness.

3. Animal health staff are employed at all levels of the professional officer stream (PO1—PO5) through to the Chief Veterinary Officer.

4. As above, work on preparing for emergency animal disease threats is business-as-usual activity for animal health. The focus on the most recent EAD threats will continue while it remains a priority.

An additional $6.8 million in funding was announced by the government to assist PIRSA capacity to prepare for and respond to possible future emergency animal disease incursions.