DECLARED PEST CONTROL ACTIVITIES
448. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the Minister for Regional Development:
I
refer to page 111 of budget paper No 3 of the 2022–23 state budget,
which identifies an $8.2 million reduction in spending on declared pest control activities, and to page 118 in the
same budget paper, which explains this by saying —
A reduction in expenditure of $8.2 million
over the forward estimates period has been approved to match a reduction in levied rates on properties for
declared pest control activities in accordance with the legislative
requirements of the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007.
(1) From which
regions, industries and recognised biosecurity groups has the $8.2 million in
rates not been raised under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act to
match the government funding, allowing the government not to match such
funding?
(2) What is the amount now budgeted
for each RBG for each financial year from 2022–23 to 2025–26?
(3) What impact will this reduction
have on the management of declared species?
(4) Will the government reinstate
the funding if the rates under the BAM act are re-established?
(5) Why is the government reducing
the spend on desperately needed biosecurity in this budget?
Hon DARREN
WEST replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. On behalf of the Minister for Regional
Development, I provide the following answer.
(1)–(5) There has been no reduction in expenditure for
existing recognised biosecurity groups, or RBGs. The previous budget included a
funding provision for the Carnarvon Growers Association RBG, which no longer
exists, and the Warren biosecurity group, which has decided not to seek
recognition as an RBG. This provision has been removed. The Department of Primary
Industries and Regional Development advises that this line item also includes a
forecasting error of $4.6 million over the forward estimates period, which will
be corrected in the midyear budget review process. The actual reduction in
forecast expenditure over the forward estimates period is $3.6 million rather
than the $8.2 million as stated. This reduction reflects the removal of the
funding provisions for the Carnarvon
Growers Association RBG and the Warren biosecurity group.