Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-09-18 Daily Xml

Contents

Algal Bloom

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:59): Supplementary: what data and science has the government gathered about the health of our gulfs and coastline prior to this SARDI science program over the last decade, as the minister pointed out?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:59): I am sure there is a lot of work that has been done, and the last decade, of course, includes the former government, the former Liberal government as well, but I am happy to provide information. I would point out that the sort of work that has been undertaken by SARDI over many years has often gone either unrecognised or undervalued.

I think the recent algal bloom, which is so difficult for so many of our regional communities, our fisheries and aquaculture industries, as well as, for example, the tourism industries and others, has really highlighted the importance of looking after our environment, including our marine environment. It has also highlighted the depth of expertise that we have here in South Australia, and for that we should be appreciative, and those opposite should cease trying to undermine them.