Distillers South Australia Industry Forum

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (14:43): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Can the minister inform the chamber about the Distillers South Australia industry forum held last week?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:43): I thank the honourable member for his question and acknowledge his ongoing interest in this important emerging sector for our state. Last week, Distillers South Australia hosted their annual conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre, with over a hundred attendees. The conference provided a great way for distillers, suppliers, education and training sector and government agencies to connect, network and learn.

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend myself, owing to being in Naracoorte and surrounds for country cabinet, and I am most grateful that the Hon. Justin Hanson MLC was able to officially open the Distillers South Australia industry forum on my behalf. The spirits sector in South Australia has undergone a period of rapid growth—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: —which has been driven by—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: —investment in high-quality spirits production by our local distillers. Again, it's very disappointing to hear that those opposite are criticising the fact that we had country cabinet in the South-East—that is where we were, and that is where I was. But I guess that is typical of their disdain for country cabinet and the regional people who enjoy it so much.

As I said, the spirits sector in South Australia has undergone a period of rapid growth, which has been driven by investment in high-quality spirits production by our local distillers. The popular SpiritFest, which was held over the weekend, showcased this high quality, with more than 40 distillers having displays.

The South Australian government was last year pleased to commit $200,000 over four years to support an executive officer position for the association. This position has been pivotal in leading the activities of the SA Spirit Producers Association and supporting the delivery of the priorities of the industry blueprint, which includes collaboration through innovation and co-investment, development through education and training, and growing domestic and international markets through the development of a spirits export plan.

I am pleased to update the council that PIRSA has recently worked with the SA Spirit Producers Association to create and produce a spirits industry toolkit video to show how the spirits industry is crafting new opportunities by injecting life into our urban and regional economies. The video also demonstrates how spirits are forging a new chapter in our state and receiving prestigious global acclaim.

I am told that my colleague the Hon. Justin Hanson MLC was very pleased to be able to open the Distillers SA industry forum and that in his travels, be it locally or interstate, he is always proud to see South Australian spirits served in hotels and restaurants. Indeed, this is testament to the talent and dedicated investment by local distillers, who are deeply committed to their craft. I am very pleased that the honourable member is a big supporter of the industry and that he enjoyed having the opportunity to meet some of these talented distillers and learn more about their industry, just as I did when I attended the equivalent event last year.

I would like to acknowledge the continuing work of George Georgiadis, the president; Jon Durdin, the vice-president; Ali Lockwood, the executive officer; and also Paul McLeay from Australian Distillers. Well done on putting together this important forum. We look forward to this industry continuing to expand and grow into the future.