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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-03-15 Daily Xml
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MOUSE PLAGUES

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:03): My questions are directed to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries:

1. What contingency does the government have in place to deal with the potential major mouse plague in South Australia this year, particularly regarding financial and human resources and equipment?

2. What dialogue, if any, has the state government had with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority regarding the licensing of on-farm mouse bait mixing stations?

3. Will the minister indicate what amount of commercial mouse bait is available in the state in the case of another mouse plague this year?

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) (15:03): I thank the honourable member for his questions. The Minister for Environment is the lead minister and agency in terms of formulating a response to mice. However, obviously I have a keen interest in these matters. As minister responsible for agriculture, food, wine and aquaculture, my main focus is in relation to biosecurity issues in terms of outbreaks or infestations, so that is usually the focus of my agency. The issue to do with mice is one that is mainly coordinated by the Minister for Environment.

Generally speaking, the agencies have plans ready to manage any outbreak or infestation. There are guidelines available in terms of managing efforts—human resources, equipment, machinery, whatever is needed—so there are usually plans in place to provide a framework of a response to manage these things. Those policies and procedures remain in place today. I am happy to refer those questions to the Minister for Environment in another place and bring back a more detailed response.

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