SA's primary industries can expect a fair bit of early movement on the Biosecurity Act revamp, after incoming Minister Clare Scriven revealed her intentions for the sector last week.
The Minister for Primary Industries, Regional Development and Forestry has zeroed in the on Biosecurity Act, regional workforce challenges and rural housing as her top priorities.
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"I want to progress these areas as soon as possible," Ms Scriven said.
In a webinar led by Rural Media and Communications president Leigh Radford, the floor was opened for questions.
Ms Scriven was a strong advocate for the regions and maintaining reginal services for communities.
"Post the pandemic, there has been considerable interest in more people moving to the regions but we need to ensure towns are equipped for this," she said.
"It is important to retain services to create thriving communities and expanding businesses."
Ms Scriven also reassured the sector, that savings targets for government agencies will not impact the biosecurity unit within PIRSA.
"It is an understatement that biosecurity is the biggest threat we face at the moment," she said.
"I want to begin focusing on what industries need from a new Biosecurity Act."
Ms Scriven was not ready to put a timeline on delivering a new act to parliament just yet, declaring more consultation was needed.
"I am committed to progressing the act as soon as possible but it cannot just be any act, it needs to be correct," she said.
Ms Scriven is also reviewing the consultation process and will take "everything" into account before putting new legislation forward.
Regional workforce issues have increased considerably, according to Ms Scriven and a state-wide focus on creating a long-term, skilled work force in the regions was also on the agenda.
"We know that the regions are crying out for skilled workers, not just seasonal employees," she said.
"It is a huge opportunity and we need to ensure we have things in place to make it happen."
Some of the ideas to make it happen, included improved access to skills and training in the regions during high school and post higher education.
But, Ms Scriven warned housing shortages within the regions could hamper efforts.
"I am working with the appropriate Ministers to find solutions," she said.
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"The bottom line is none of these things can happen without a house.
"We cannot have teachers and nurses that move to the regions to work, living at a caravan park but that is what's happening."
Ms Scriven reiterated that housing at all levels needed to be increased, including public housing.
"The regions need to be enabling environments for everyone to thrive. Increasing jobs won't be possible without providing the correct services to support it," she said.
Ms Scriven is also focused on a forestry commitment to the South East and a master plan for the forestry industry going forward.
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Vanessa Binks
I am the Markets Editor and journalist at the Stock Journal. I am based at Nuriootpa in SA's lower north.
I am the Markets Editor and journalist at the Stock Journal. I am based at Nuriootpa in SA's lower north.
