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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 465 asked in the Legislative Council on 23 August 2017 by Hon Colin De Grussa

Parliament: 40 Session: 1


DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT —RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FUNDING
      465. Hon COLIN de GRUSSA to the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Agriculture and Food:
I refer to the $6 million funding cut to grower groups for their research and development.
(1) Which grower groups did the minister consult with prior to the announcement?
      (2) What advice did the minister receive from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to justify this decision?
      (3) Will the minister table that advice?
Hon DARREN WEST replied:
I thank the honourable member for the question. On behalf of the Minister for Agriculture and Food, I provide the following information.
      (1)–(3) Given the state of the budget, we need to ensure that we leverage every cent of state government funding and spend in areas that will maximise return on investment. We invested $4.5 million in the latest grower group grant round to projects that will offer the best returns to the state. As with any competitive grant process, not every applicant will be successful. There will be other opportunities in future for other applicants. A sum of $1.5 million from the ag science research and development fund has been redirected to the horticultural research recovery fund, acknowledging the serious difficulties facing our growers following the discovery of the tomato potato psyllid. We want to see WA produce moving again; whether they are international export or domestic processed options, supporting our growers will always be a priority. The remaining funds will be directed to new opportunities recognising that, as well as support for short-term project funds, we need to ensure that we have longer term funding pathways for critical research and development.