China Trade Trip

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (15:24): Further supplementary: does the minister believe that the resumption of trade with China will save the Riverland wine industry in the short term?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:24): As I have said on many occasions in this place, there is not a single solution to the oversupply issue that we have in terms of red wine here in South Australia, here in Australia, or indeed globally.

The issue of oversupply is one that is being felt across the world. It is certainly very acute in the Riverland, which is why we have worked so hard over the last 18 months in supporting the Riverland industry in terms of establishing what they need for a strategic future and how wine fits into the regional economy and the state economy.

This is something that we will continue to work with, but I think the importance of re-engaging with China is a very important step. It is, however, only one step. We know that even if the tariffs from China are lifted that will not immediately return our trade in wine to what it was back in 2020. We know that there have been changes within the Chinese economy and changes in tastes globally as well as here in Australia, and there are many different factors to be taken into account.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: Final supplementary, Mr President?

The PRESIDENT: No. We have had 10 questions so far.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: It's a very important issue.

The PRESIDENT: Yes. Ask it in your next question.