Fruit Fly

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (15:12): Supplementary: the minister spoke about the department, but has the minister herself spoken to her interstate colleagues about reducing the suspension zone for Queensland fruit fly to 7.5 kilometres, given that scientific papers show that 90 per cent of Queensland fruit fly will range only 600 metres from where they emerge?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:12): I have had multiple discussions on the topic of fruit fly, and the national protocols as well as the international protocols. I might also add that if any honourable members would like to put any of the growers they are talking with in contact with my office, I am more than happy to provide them with additional information. I met last week with Fruit Producers SA as part of my regular meetings with the industry, and I am very confident that they are well aware as an association of the protocols and requirements of them, and we will continue to work together to support producers as far as is possible through this difficult time.