Ms CARNEY - 2007-10-18
In an attempt to deflect a question about Panama disease, which has so far ruined 260 ha of plantation and threatened to destroy the entire banana industry, you told Territorians yesterday in this House that your use of the phrase ‘It is probably a little hiccup’. was in answer to questions about research. Clearly, you were talking about the future of the industry on both occasions when you made that comment. Is it not the case that the criticism of your lacklustre response by Mark Smith is valid when you, the minister for Primary Industry, think that his warnings of an industry collapse are a mere ‘hiccup’?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her question. I do not really know that I can say much more on this. I have explained it all. At the end of the day, I have confidence in my department, in the people who are working with my department and in the banana industry itself to work through this. This is not dead in the water, Leader of the Opposition. This is a situation where some properties have been affected quite badly. However, there are other properties out there.
Researchers are still working on a species of banana to ensure that the commercial viability of the banana industry continues. There are still growers working in commercial quantities. The industry is not dead. We are working, and I am confident in my department and the people working there. I am confident that bananas will continue to grow in the Northern Territory.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her question. I do not really know that I can say much more on this. I have explained it all. At the end of the day, I have confidence in my department, in the people who are working with my department and in the banana industry itself to work through this. This is not dead in the water, Leader of the Opposition. This is a situation where some properties have been affected quite badly. However, there are other properties out there.
Researchers are still working on a species of banana to ensure that the commercial viability of the banana industry continues. There are still growers working in commercial quantities. The industry is not dead. We are working, and I am confident in my department and the people working there. I am confident that bananas will continue to grow in the Northern Territory.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016