Royal Adelaide Show

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:40): My question is to the Minister—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: Mr President, this is outrageous!

The PRESIDENT: It's okay, Hon. Mr Wortley, I will protect you.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: My question is to the Minister for Primary—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! Can we just hear the question before we start.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Will the minister inform the chamber about the recent successful Royal Adelaide Show?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:40): The Royal Adelaide Show has once again brought the country to the city and showcased the best of our primary industry sectors and regions. It's wonderful to see how the venue has changed, how the Show has grown over the years. The first Show was held in February 1844 when the aim was to bring people, produce and livestock together and to discuss each year, and debate and nurture, rural production. Much of that still remains as the goals today. That speaks to the enduring importance of our primary industries. However, the innovations and developments that progress our primary industries are constantly evolving.

It is events such as the Royal Adelaide Show where advances and achievements initiated by and for our regional communities, primary industries and agribusinesses can be showcased. It is where we see quite literally the fruits of so many people's labour. It is where we can showcase paddock to plate and educate on the origins and journey of our food and fibre. We can showcase the premium food, wine and agribusinesses that we are renowned for.

A highlight at this year's show was Aggie's Farm, an initiative supported by PIRSA sponsorship to teach young children where their food and fibre comes from. The children are provided with an apron and basket on entry, and work their way around the farm digging for carrots and potatoes, collecting eggs from the chicken coop, shearing wool from the sheep, catching a fish from the boats, picking strawberries, apples and oranges from the orchard and collecting grains, then, at the end of the experience, a quick trip to the farmers market where the children can exchange their produce for farm dollars—by all accounts, a wonderfully interactive experience.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Show on numerous occasions during last week, and I was privileged to meet with many of the next generation of South Australian farmers. There were over 7,000 junior entries in the Show this year. There were passionate young people who were bringing their agricultural skills and other talents to the centre stage. The future of our food, biosecurity, agriculture and regions is clearly in great hands.

Each year, the Show brings together the best of South Australia's agriculture, culinary and artistic talents in a celebration of community spirit and friendly competition. From prize-winning livestock and exquisite home-baked goods to crafts and innovative technology projects, the competitions highlight the remarkable skills and dedication of the participants. I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all the competitors and the winners who have excelled in their respective categories.

I personally had the delight of joining the judging panel for the Nova 919 Jodie and Haysey frittata challenge. It was a very informative experience, I must say, and I was taught the things to look out for when judging the quality of a frittata. Though presentation was an element, it certainly was not the main thing to consider. More important was the flavour, the texture and that the frittata was cooked through to the bottom. We did not know which contestant had cooked each frittata, and in the end Haysey from Nova took away first prize.

I also had the pleasure of meeting with a number of students from various schools. I would like to congratulate Clare High School, who I was pleased to speak with about their agricultural program in the school and their experiences at the Show. Similarly, members might remember that the Ag Town of the Year was Wudinna, and I was over there visiting them earlier in the year and said that I would catch up with them at the Show. I was delighted to be able to do that and, again, to hear from them about what the agricultural program at their school is bringing to them.

I congratulate all the competitors and I congratulate the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society for another successful Royal Adelaide Show which brought so much joy and showcased regional communities and primary industries, which are the backbone of our state.