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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-10-18 Daily Xml
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MARINE RESEARCH

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (14:52): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries a question about marine research.

Leave granted.

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: Continuing on the fish line; the aquatic world is one of fascination to many of us, perhaps inspired by wonderful documentaries on the works of Jacques Cousteau and later explorers, but the mystery of how fish species live and interact in the aquatic environment is being teased out by scientists developing their research over time. Can the minister advise the chamber about how this work is accomplished?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (14:53): I thank the honourable member for her most important question. Obviously this fine weather has brought out a fishing interest—there is a bit of a theme here in the chamber today. I am very pleased to announce that Marine Innovation Southern Australia (MISA) (of which SARDI is a part) will be holding a symposium on Friday 19 October and in Port Lincoln on Tuesday 30 October. This information sharing not only looks at the target species for fishing but is more holistic, taking in habitats, food webs, predators and prey of target species, ocean current systems, and other fishing and human activities that are part of the target species environment.

I understand that this complex type of work helps ensure that a healthy environment and fishery are maintained and the best possible science and practices are used to manage South Australia's important fisheries. MISA, established in 2005, has significantly boosted South Australia's expertise and infrastructure, laying the foundations for this type of large-scale marine study which will improve our understanding of the marine environment and further support our premium seafood industry.

MISA is an initiative of the government of South Australia and is in partnership with the South Australian Research and Development Institute and the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, the South Australian Museum, Primary Industries and Regions SA, the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, and the SA seafood industry. The state government has provided $18.5 million towards the MISA initiative over the past seven years. This investment has led to the employment of 40 researchers, a major expansion of the Lincoln Marine Science Centre at Port Lincoln and the establishment of a South Australian Aquatic Biosecurity Centre at Roseworthy campus and delivered more than 280 projects.

It is a testament to the value of scientific organisations working together and is a very pleasing result. Working with other organisations is not a new concept or practice for SARDI. It has a history of delivering robust scientific solutions to support sustainable and internationally competitive primary industry interests. Scientists create knowledge platforms, technology and products to promote growth, productivity and adaptability of food and aquatic and bioscience industries while ensuring that they remain ecologically sustainable.

SARDI has a history of working together with the tertiary education sector, in particular with the University of Adelaide. The relationship between SARDI and the University of Adelaide is not a new one. Over the last 18 years they have developed a very strong collaborative relationship with significant benefits to both parties. I am advised that in 2010 a joint working group was established between PIRSA and the university to develop the relationship further and, in particular, to report opportunities for the two institutions to work closer together for the benefit of both organisations—and I think I have spoken about this matter in this place before.

This detailed discussion and exploration has been very fruitful, as has been my dialogue with the Vice-Chancellor of the university. This dialogue has led to a joint view of the university and the South Australian government that a formalised research partnership would boost the state's research and development capabilities in agrifood and primary industries. The aim of this partnership will be to enhance our position as the leading primary industries R&D provider in the southern hemisphere.

An examination of the best means to achieve the relationship will continue with consideration of models to better position SARDI to participate in the partnership. I am advised that consideration will be given to options for models for SARDI as a stand-alone entity in the coming months including, for instance, as a public non-financial corporation or attached office. Establishing SARDI under a new governance arrangement while formalising the research partnership with the university is expected to, obviously, bring benefits to both the university and to SARDI. I am confident that through the continued collaboration, the University of Adelaide and SARDI will be able to concentrate on areas of strong synergy and increase the overall research and development capacity.

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