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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-02-03 Daily Xml
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OYSTER GROWERS LEVY

The Hon. C.V. SCHAEFER (15:23): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the minister representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries a question about the oyster growers levy.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C.V. SCHAEFER: Late last year, considerable publicity was generated with regard to the methodology used to collect the full cost recovery levies from the aquaculture industry. The shift from a per hectare cost recovery to a per lease or site cost recovery has resulted in the cost to oyster growers increasing by in the vicinity of 450 per cent. As an example, some oyster growers who were paying between $1,000 and $2,000 last year are now paying between $20,000 and $30,000. For example, five oyster growers in Coffin Bay are paying more for their cost recovery than the entire tuna industry.

Last year, I sought details via this chamber as to the minister's determination and as to the actual true cost, because this is meant to be a cost recovery industry. I further sought that information, with the help of my colleague the Hon. Rob Lucas, via an FOI. My question is: when will my previous questions be answered?

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Gambling, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:24): I thank the honourable member for her question in relation to the oyster growers levy. Like everybody else, I saw the issue raised in the media and the response provided by the minister. I will refer the honourable member's further question to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries in the other place and ensure that she receives a response.

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