Question Time

Algal Bloom

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:42): I seek leave to make a brief explanation prior to addressing a question to the Minister for Primary Industries on the topic of the harmful algal bloom.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: It is the opposition's understanding that, despite the state government establishing 76 monitoring sites, brevetoxin itself is not routinely tested in beach water or foam, meaning beach users have no clear information on toxin presence, only algal presence. My questions to the Minister for Primary Industries are:

1. How often is the government monitoring brevetoxin levels across metropolitan beaches?

2. Are these levels made public?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:43): I thank the honourable member for her question. I am happy to take that question on notice and bring back a response.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The honourable Leader of the Opposition, your second question, please.

The Hon. N.J. Centofanti interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Are you going to stand up and ask your second question or you are going to forfeit? What are you doing today?