Drought Round Table

The Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:25): Supplementary: how many of the drought round tables that the minister mentioned in her answer has she actually attended?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:25): As I have said before, when asked about this particular issue in this place, the importance of the round tables was for industry to be able to speak freely, to make whatever criticisms they may wish to make, as well as give additional feedback. All of those have been taken on board and come back through the various fora and opportunities available.

In addition to that, of course, I am meeting every week—often multiple times a week—either with farmers or with peak bodies, and at times with both. I think that is a really important part of the engagement. It needs to be one on one as well as with peak bodies, and that is certainly what I have been able to do and remain committed to doing.