South Coast Algal Bloom

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (15:54): Supplementary: when did the Malinauskas government first seek financial support from the commonwealth government?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:54): I thank the honourable member for his question. I would have to check the dates; from my recollection it was in July. As I mentioned, throughout the early months of the algal bloom the expectation from all of the scientists who we had advice from was that the bloom would dissipate. Certainly, that is what has happened in the past. Therefore, we continued to work on that understanding whilst still seeking additional information as time went on.

It then became clear that it wasn't dissipating as expected. Therefore, we put to the federal government a request, that request was met and we have been able to provide a $28 million support package that includes research, industry support and more.