Fruit Fly

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:21): I seek leave to make a brief explanation prior to addressing a question to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development regarding fruit fly.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: As we have affirmed, our side of the house offers bipartisan support to the government in the quest to eradicate fruit fly from the Adelaide Plains and the Riverland region. This support extends to questioning the minister about problems with the program, and bringing them to her attention. I have heard from a number of people involved in the citrus industry in the Riverland who are concerned about some aspects of the management that may be jeopardising the potential success of the eradication program.

Citrus growers are becoming frustrated with the number of neglected and abandoned orchards, and the amount of fruit movements that may be contravening protocols. There are claims that the movement of fruit outside the protocols is common knowledge, and some growers made the comment that 'everyone knows it's happening'. The opposition understands that the department has been notified of these issues. My questions to the minister are:

1. What measures are being taken to address the potential reservoirs of fruit fly in neglected or abandoned orchards?

2. Have any measures been taken to pursue and sanction individuals who are breaking regulations in relation to fruit transport?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:23): I thank the honourable member for her question. I am glad that she is supportive of our efforts to eliminate fruit fly in the Riverland. It is something that has been a very strong focus since we came to government—and that is not having a go at the previous government, because I think it's something that we have been on the same page on in terms of its importance.

The ongoing outbreaks of Queensland fruit fly in the Riverland have had considerable resources addressed to them. I know that there was a meeting—I think it was this week, or it was advertised last week but I am not sure if it has occurred yet—which was an update in the Riverland for those who wanted to look at the most recent approaches in regard to addressing fruit fly.

If the honourable member would like to provide specifics to my office, she is welcome to do so. Similarly, I have very much an open-door policy with growers, peak organisations, and so on. If there are any concerns that any individual feels are not being addressed, I am more than happy to direct them to my ministerial office.