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❓ Hon Murray Criddle seeks assurance that skeleton weed levy funds will be distributed according to the Plant Pest and Diseases (Eradication Funds) Act 1974, given a predicted grain harvest increase. The Minister confirms funds are used for skeleton weed eradication, with a small reserve for phosphine-resistant insects.

AnsweredQoN 446Legislative Council

Asked

27 February 2002

Member

Hon Murray Criddle

Portfolio

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

QuestionView source ↗

As there has been a significant rise in the predicted grain harvest will the Minister give an assurance that the monies raised from the skeleton weed levy will be distributed in accordance with the
Plant Pest and Diseases (Eradication Funds) Act 1974
?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

13 March 2002

Responded by

Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Response time

14 days

The revenue raised from the skeleton weed rate charged on the 2001 grain crop is expected to be approximately $3.85 million, assuming that 11 million tonnes of grain is received from growers. Revenue collected from the grower contribution is credited to the Skeleton Weed Eradication Trust Fund, which is administered by the Agriculture Protection Board. The operational budget for the skeleton weed program is set each year in consultation with grain industry representatives. The expenditure for the current year's program is projected to reach $3.45 million. Apart from a limited reserve of $20,000 for the control of significant outbreaks of phosphine resistant grain insects, revenue raised from the skeleton weed rate is employed exclusively in the campaign to eradicate skeleton weed.
Apart from a limited reserve of $20,000 for the control of significant outbreaks of phosphine resistant grain insects, revenue raised from the skeleton weed rate is employed exclusively in the campaign to eradicate skeleton weed.

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