Federal Biosecurity Levies

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (15:16): I seek leave to provide a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development on biosecurity.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: Apple growers and other producers in the Adelaide Hills and indeed right around our state are outraged at the proposed biosecurity levy that they will face under the federal Labor government. The scheme, which was announced in the 2023 federal budget, without consultation, has the potential to add $150 million to the existing levies farmers already pay to the government for biosecurity screening.

An Advertiser article entitled 'Fruits of Labor levy rotten to the core' spells out the uncertainty and outrage that producers feel here in South Australia, with the costs of doing business already high and producers now being told that they will have to pay to screen foreign food imports. Many farmers feel this is unfair, given many of those importers are direct competitors.

Just to be absolutely clear to those opposite, I am well aware that this is a federal levy; however, given it will impact on South Australian producers and farmers, I am asking this question of the honourable member in her capacity as the—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: —minister for primary production here in South Australia.

The Hon. I.K. Hunter interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: And if she has any respect—

The Hon. I.K. Hunter interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: —if she has any respect for the primary producers here in South Australia, I would expect her to answer this question appropriately. So my question is—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! And you will address your remarks and your question through me. What's your question, please?

The Hon. K.J. Maher interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: My question to the minister is: does the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development support another levy on South Australian farmers and producers which will be used to screen foreign food imports?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:18): I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition is keen to impact on federal matters she speaks to her mate Tony Pasin and tries to get preselection above Anne Ruston on the ticket.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The member for Barker.