The Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia, is today urging the Premier to conduct an independent review into his Government’s handling of the tomato brown rugose fruit virus crisis.
“We join with growers in their disappointment at how the Malinauskas Government has dealt with this. Growers feel let down and betrayed,” said Leader of the Opposition Vincent Tarzia.
The Opposition today stood with tomato growers as they protested against the Malinauskas Government over it’s handling of the tomato brown rugose fruit virus.
“It’s very sad to hear growers say they feel ignored and that the only way they believe they’ll be heard is if they bring their protest to Parliament. They have asked for meetings with the Minister and she has been reluctant,” said Mr Tarzia.
Shadow Primary Industry Minister, Nicola Centofanti said the way the Malinauskas Government is handling the crisis is not good enough.
“It is clear, that we as a state were ill prepared when it comes to this virus, and we shouldn't have been.
“This virus is endemic in so many countries around the globe, yet we were caught napping, had no local testing capacity and despite a promise made by the Labor Government of a 10 day testing turnaround time, I have tomato growers calling my office who have been waiting three weeks or more without answers.
“It is my view that part of the role of Government should be to continuously review invasive species and disease around the globe, review the science and review government and industry’s preparedness and response to potential outbreaks and incursions.
“That clearly is lacking. And we now have growers who are looking to pull out entire crops that cannot go to a market because of the Labor Governments lack of urgency on this issue.”
Member for Frome, Penny Pratt, who represents many growers including Perfection Fresh said she was deeply concerned for the growers who have so far been left crushed financially and emotionally.
“As the local member for some of these growers, I am appalled at Labor’s approach to this matter. These growers are doing it tough and have been since the virus was first reported four months ago,” said Ms Pratt.
“Something is missing and I think it is common sense. Primary producers are used to being hit by mother nature but this time it’s bureaucracy getting in the way.
“I have been visiting sites at Virginia, Gawler River and Two Wells to check in with growers and witness the destruction of juicy tomatoes and strapping plants. The biosecurity measures have hit growers hard but what hurts the most is seeing the inaction and misinformation from PIRSA.
“They have no cash flow, the banks are circling, and fruit is just rotting on the vine. Once they factor in freight costs, packaging and labour there is no margin left so they say what’s the point in picking.”
