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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-09-03 Daily Xml
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Question Time

SARDI Fish Deaths

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:28): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development about fish deaths at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: It was moved in this place on 19 February this year that there should be an independent investigation into the deaths of fish and shellfish at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre. On 4 February, I asked the minister why departments should be free to investigate themselves and why the government was against an independent investigation. The minister replied, and I quote:

It's very disappointing to see the Leader of the Opposition again undermining the world-renowned staff and researchers at places such as SARDI. They are keen to understand, if indeed it can be found, the reason for the fish deaths. They are world-renowned researchers. They are keen to find the answers, and this constant undermining of the SARDI staff I think is extremely disappointing.

As we know, the government ignored the will of this place. While the opposition was not in any way undermining the SARDI researchers, we were seeking independence and transparency on behalf of the South Australian public. The report was then released, titled 'An investigative report on mortalities in finfish and shellfish hatcheries at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre'.

With that in mind, my question to the minister is: can she guarantee to this chamber that that report, 'An investigative report on mortalities in finfish and shellfish hatcheries at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre', was entirely the work of SARDI's world-renowned scientists and that it was not altered, amended or influenced at any stage by staff from the Department for Environment and Water or the EPA?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:30): I thank the honourable member for her question. I am happy to go back and check any of the individual details, but I do recall that the report was independently reviewed by scientists from a university. I am very confident that there was robust investigation. Again, we see those opposite and the Leader of the Opposition in this place constantly trying to undermine scientists and science. We have seen the newest star recruit to those opposite constantly undermining science in other aspects that are of interest to the general community. We see those opposite peddling conspiracy theories. Why is it that those opposite don't accept science?

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: Why is it that those opposite don't trust science?

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Minister, sit down.

The Hon. N.J. Centofanti interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: I beg your pardon? You have asked a question. The minister is answering the question in a way that she sees fit. You will listen to the answer; otherwise, we will move on to the next question.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: Thank you. Again, we have those opposite who, if they don't like the answer, like to attack the scientists who have provided it. I don't think that's helpful in this circumstance or any others.

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