South Coast Algal Bloom

The Hon. T.T. NGO (14:34): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Can the minister tell the chamber about the state government's support for commercial fishers and aquaculture operators who have been impacted by the algal bloom?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:35): I thank the honourable member for his question. The scale of impacts from the algal bloom has varied widely, even within some of the individual fishing sectors, with some very, very heavily impacted, others to a lesser degree, depending on a wide range of factors. For this reason, it has been necessary to facilitate a coordinated response with industry bodies such as the Marine Fishers Association, Seafood Industry South Australia, the South Australian Professional Fishers Association and others to understand the varying impacts, and to implement targeted relief to ensure those who need help are able to receive it.

While direct financial assistance to those impacted is crucial at this time, it has also been a major focus to get up-to-date and factual information to the public, to affected industries and to the community through a wide range of forums—online, in the media and in public forums—so they are aware of what support is available and that they can support the industry by buying local seafood that is still absolutely safe to eat and, of course, still delicious.

I am advised that a number of those within industry are very keen that fearmongering is not a characteristic of the public debate, and I am advised that some within industry feel that unfortunately those opposite have taken that role of fearmongering rather than a constructive addition to the debate.

Since the beginning of the bloom, this government has been working with the industry bodies and many others, listening to the needs of industry, which have evolved as the algal bloom itself has evolved to where we are today, which is the availability of a significant support package that will deliver real relief to those who have been most impacted. The government's $28 million Algal Bloom Support Package, jointly funded by the federal government and the state government, has a strong focus on supporting impacted industries and businesses to provide support and relief through a range of programs, from financial assistance to business support and advice.

There is also a strong mental health focus, with an additional $160,000 allocated to the dedicated program for mental health within the seafood industry, the Stay Afloat program, which has done some amazing work over many years, and is playing such an important role as we speak. That particular program was mentioned specifically at the Port Lincoln forum, which I attended on Saturday night.

Key components of support for impacted industries include fee relief for commercial fishing licence holders and aquaculture licence holders; the $10,000 small business support grants; and the fisheries and aquaculture assistance grants of up to $100,000. As a result of our ongoing industry consultation, on Monday the government made some important changes to eligibility requirements to grant criteria, to ensure support can flow to more impacted businesses.

The key changes include, for the small business support grant, the closing date being extended from September to 30 November, with businesses eligible if they can demonstrate a decline in business turnover in any consecutive three-month period from 1 April to 31 October this year. The closing date for the fisheries and aquaculture assistance grant has also been extended from 12 September to 30 November, with the requirement to demonstrate a decline in catch or harvest, or business turnover, extended to any consecutive three-month period from 1 April to 31 October.

Where a commercial fishery or aquaculture licence holder can demonstrate a turnover of $75,000 in financial year 2023-24 or 2024-25, and has had its licence fee waived by PIRSA, it is entitled to the immediate one-off tier 1 $25,000 grant. There has also been a number of other reductions in the requirements to access the various tiers of support. I encourage all impacted commercial fishers and aquaculture licence holders to visit the various government assistance websites, such as the Office for Small and Family Business—Algal Bloom Support Package website to find information and assistance about completing applications.

Importantly, the state government will continue to monitor the rollout of the grant programs, working closely with industry to make any further adjustments, as necessary. I think the algal bloom has put our reliance on those marine resources as a state in full view and encouraged many to reflect on just how important they are to our way of life as South Australians. That is why we will continue to support those impacted, so that they can get back to doing what they do best: providing South Australians and people all over the globe with some of the world's best seafood.