Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2023-09-26 Daily Xml

Contents

Biosecurity

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:41): Supplementary, although I am afraid to do so: whilst I appreciate the minister's comments on long-term management of varroa mite, I specifically asked about post 19 September and the transition to the new management strategy of varroa mite. So I ask again: what is the government doing to prepare apiarists and the industry for the new management strategy of varroa mite, and, given the minister met with the Cross Border Commissioner last week, what will be the commissioner's role in this important issue?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:42): As I have already mentioned, the updated plan is expected soon. It's something that we are working on, as I did say. In terms of the Cross Border Commissioner, this perhaps is a bit broader than simply a cross-border matter, given that it affects all jurisdictions and is subject to national agreements.

The Cross Border Commissioner will be involved wherever it might be helpful. We of course appreciate the various relationships that she has already with the Victorian Cross Border Commissioner and the New South Wales Cross Border Commissioner. This issue of varroa mite overall was something that she got herself across very early in the piece when she came on board in the role, and I certainly value ongoing discussions that will include the Cross Border Commissioner as well.