Legislative Council: Wednesday, May 03, 2023

Contents

Food and Agribusiness

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:44): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development about food and agribusiness.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: It was reported by industry stakeholders that overseas buyers from Malaysia and Thailand are in Australia sourcing fresh produce and products from Australia. The two buyers are Jaya Grocer and Jagota Thailand. Our understanding is that Jaya Grocer is a Malaysian-based high-tech supermarket chain that specialises in premium grocery products and high-quality fresh and organic produce, and Jagota Thailand represents a multitude of brands across various product categories, including dairy, meat, seafood, snacks and groceries. My questions to the minister are:

1. What funding has the state government allocated to attract these overseas buyers to Adelaide?

2. What is the role of PIRSA in this buying mission?

3. Does the minister have any involvement at all in her role for this inbound mission? Please explain your involvement.

4. How many South Australian food and agribusinesses have been invited to participate, and what indicators will be used to measure the outcomes?

5. How will the minister ensure that South Australian agribusinesses get their fair share of representation for this inbound mission?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:45): I thank the honourable member for her question. Governments are often involved both in outbound trade missions as well as inbound trade missions, and that sounds like what the honourable member is referring to. I will certainly speak with the office of my colleague the Minister for Trade and Investment, as well as my department, to seek additional information about the particular issue that the member is asking about and bring back an answer to the chamber.