Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-04-01 Daily Xml

Contents

Drought

The Hon. B.R. HOOD (14:51): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Primary Industries on the topic of drought.

Leave granted.

The Hon. B.R. HOOD: There's a growing outrage across South Australia, even from those who live in Adelaide, about the lack of leadership and support of our farmers in the current drought. A recent issued statement from the Premier said that, and I quote:

In October, the Minister for Primary Industries and I met with cattle, dairy and grain farmers in the state's South East.

My questions to the minister are:

1. Does she think it is acceptable that the Premier hasn't visited a farming community at all this year, in fact, has not visited a farm since October last year in the midst of the worst drought on record here in South Australia?

2. Has the minister invited the Premier to visit drought-stricken farmers across South Australia to listen and speak to them about what they are currently struggling through and have been struggling now for months?

3. On how many occasions has she extended that invitation?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:52): I thank the honourable member for his question. Certainly, the Premier meets constantly with people, including with farmers, at multiple different types of events and forums. Certainly, earlier this year—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: The honourable member is mistaken to suggest that he has not met with farmers this year. That has certainly occurred. One of those meetings that I was with him at was at the Two Wells-Virginia area.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Okay, everybody is finished with the chat. Enough!