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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-07-06 Daily Xml
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MOUSE PLAGUE

The Hon. J.S. LEE (16:06): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Regional Development a question about South Australia's mouse bait mixing stations.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority announced on Tuesday 21 June that they have approved the use of mouse bait regional mixing stations that will save farmers tens of thousands of dollars. Mixing stations were a recommendation from the mice task force, as stated by Peter White from the South Australian Farmers Federation on 5 May. It is believed that this system will involve farmers presenting their own grain for treatment with zinc phosphide for about a quarter of the price.

While this is good news for farmers, my colleague from the other place, the member for Hammond, and farmers I have been speaking to have raised serious concerns about the government's commitment to set up the mixing stations for farmers in South Australia. My questions to the minister are:

1. Can the Minister for Regional Development confirm whether regional mouse bait mixing stations will be established in South Australia? If so, when and where?

2. Can the minister inform the house about the time frame and locations?

3. What assistance will the government provide to fast track local approvals and compliances to ensure farmers in South Australia will be given the same access to mixing stations as other states?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling) (16:08): I believe it is actually a question for minister O'Brien and a matter that primary industries has taken responsibility for. I am not involved at all in mouse baiting. It is a primary industry issue and I am happy, on behalf of the honourable member, to refer it to the minister for primary industries and to bring back a response.

The PRESIDENT: Mr Brokenshire has a supplementary question.

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