Biosecurity SA preparedness and response capability
Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. N.J. Centofanti:
That this council—
1. Recognises the importance of biosecurity to South Australia, in particular with regard to the state’s primary industries, and the potential impact on production.
2. Acknowledges the significant and ongoing concerns from industry sectors regarding Biosecurity SA’s preparedness and response capability.
3. Calls on the Minister for Primary Industries to:
(a) establish an independent review into the Department of Primary Industry and Regional South Australia’s response to the tomato brown rugose virus incursion, and its capacity and capability to deal with future pest and disease incursions; and
(b) table the report of the review as well as the government’s response upon completion.
The Hon. J.S. LEE (21:24):
I rise today to speak in support of the Hon. Nicola Centofanti's motion to recognise the importance of biosecurity to South Australia. Effective biosecurity measures are essential to prevent the spread of animal and plant diseases, pests and pathogens, to protect community health and to maintain the productivity of primary industries. The importance of biosecurity has been highlighted by the tomato brown rugose fruit virus incursion which has crippled South Australia's tomato industry since it was first detected at a Two Wells tomato farm in August 2024.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions' (PIRSA) response and management of the virus has raised significant and ongoing concerns about Biosecurity SA's preparedness and response capabilities. Attempting to eradicate and exclude a virus that was globally widespread and already present in imported seed came at a significant cost to the industry.
The discovery of the virus in South Australia threw the industry into a meltdown. Three South Australian tomato producers were forced to close and destroy millions of dollars' worth of tomatoes, resulting in job losses and immense financial and mental toll. It is truly heartbreaking, and I want to highlight the devastating impact on one of the growers. South Australian tomato grower Peter Petsios said he was $4 million in debt and his physical and mental health had nosedived, forcing the closure of his 65-year-old business.
'This has taken a toll on me,' he said. 'This is the worst thing that's happened to me—it's like a death in the family. How the hell am I going to come up with $4 million? How am I ever going to recover from this?' He continued to say, 'I could have had a heart attack. I could have been dead. I have been to the doctor lots of times. My chest hurts. I've got a permanent headache, vision loss, things like that. Just enormous grief, enormous anxiety.'
It was not just the growers themselves who were affected, but the nurseries supplying the farms and the suppliers and markets at the other end of the supply chain who have also been greatly impacted over the last year. In November 2024, I joined parliamentary colleagues, including the Hon. Nicola Centofanti, to stand with tomato growers and primary producers on the steps of Parliament House at a rally in protest of the national response that attempted to eradicate the virus.
We have now seen the National Management Group announce that it is no longer feasible to eradicate the virus in Australia and that it will move to a management approach in line with international best practice. Growers in Australia now need clear, timely guidance on managing the virus effectively under the new national guidelines. Some local tomato producers have said that this change comes too late. It does little to boost their confidence in PIRSA's response capability.
An independent inquiry into the government's response to this virus incursion is essential for ensuring transparency and accountability and to learn lessons to help improve future responses. I once again extend my support and empathy to everyone who has been impacted by the tomato brown rugose fruit virus and join their calls for an independent inquiry to ensure that government does better to safeguard both plant and animal health and the economic stability and viability of our primary producers.
With those words, I indicate that I fully support the motion and will oppose the amendments by the government.