Varroa Mite

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (15:09): Supplementary: why has it taken 12 months for the Detection Response and Transition to Management Plan to be released to the South Australian beekeeping industry by this government?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:09): I thank the honourable member for her supplementary. It hasn't been delayed and now released by this government, as the wording is; it has been developed by the industry sectors that I outlined.

It's important to note that this government is interested in consultation, this government is interested in making sure that there is a seat at the table for those people from the industry who are incredibly involved and will be affected by varroa mite should it eventuate here in South Australia. I am very sorry to hear that the opposition is criticising the beekeepers' association, criticising the South Australian Apiarists' Association, criticising the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council, criticising the representative of large commercial beekeepers.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: Why do those opposite pretend they think consultation is important and then criticise the government for consulting? Why do they criticise industry for taking the time to work through an incredibly important response plan for a disease, a mite, that could have such a negative impact? Why do those opposite continue to attack stakeholders? We saw it in the previous government. We saw how they absolutely drove a wedge between themselves and important industry stakeholders.

Now they want to criticise those important stakeholders in this industry for taking the time to meet regularly—I think they had 12 meetings altogether—for taking the time to work through scenarios, for taking the time to then send out the draft management plan for public consultation. They obviously don't think it's important to discuss with industry the things that will affect industry, and I think everyone in South Australia should be very disappointed with the performance from those opposite.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!