Bee Deaths

In reply to the Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) ().8 February 2024).

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

1.

Through the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), I have been made aware of a recent incident of bee deaths from alleged chemical poisoning.

PIRSA has investigated the cause of the bee deaths where bee samples were submitted for toxicology testing. The toxicology results detected the presence of a registered insecticide 'fipronil'. No other chemicals were detected in the toxicology analysis from a wide screen of chemicals.

Fipronil is not used by PIRSA's fruit fly eradication program.

2.

Investigations into the incidents that the member opposite has highlighted has not raised any evidence that has not already been thoroughly examined. There is no evidence that those bee deaths were as a result of work being done to eradicate fruit fly nor that an independent review would expect to uncover any different result.

It's an operational matter for the Fruit Fly Emergency Response Program to work with apiarists in the Riverland. PIRSA staff have met with apiarists to discuss any concerns they may have. PIRSA continues to work with apiarists in the Riverland to ensure hive locations are identified and effective bee management practices are in place.