Fruit Fly

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:25): My questions are to the Minister for Primary Industries regarding fruit fly:

1. How many SIT flies have been released weekly since 6 November?

2. How many SIT flies will continue to be released and how often?

3. What is the reasoning behind the SIT fly release date finish of 17 December?

4. How were the release areas of Paringa, Loxton, Lyrup, Kingston on Murray and Overland Corner determined?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:26): I thank the honourable member for her question. One of the achievements of this government has been to double the capacity of the sterile insect technology facility so that we are able to release twice as many sterile insects into the Riverland as we did previously. We know how important sterile insect technology is for fighting fruit fly. I can certainly answer in a general sense that the decisions that are made around timings are informed by the expert advice in terms of what will have the most impact in terms of sterile insect technology. In terms of those specifics, those operational matters, I am happy to take it on notice and bring back a response.