Varroa Mite

In reply to the Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) ().7 March 2024).

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

The department continues to work with Industry on assessing the risks and the associated mitigation measures which can be applied to continue to allow trade and business continuity in the event of a varroa mite outbreak in South Australia.

The department currently has 6.5 full-time positions allocated to apiary compliance and education functions, processing registrations of hives and utilises experienced casual labour to support surge capacity requirements. The varroa program which will have oversight of the varroa transition to management for South Australia will increase as required, with a specific focus on varroa education and engagement activities.