AgTech innovation in regional South Australia will get a significant boost with the Marshall Liberal Government today launching a world-class business hub and demonstration farm in the Riverland.

More than 30 commercial fishers have already applied to voluntarily surrender their licence under the Marshall Liberal Government’s historic $24 million reform of the South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery.

The Hon. T.J. WHETSTONE (Chaffey—Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development) (15:24): Today, I rise to take the opportunity to speak about and reflect on the strength of my local community, particularly through the adversity of COVID-19, and how they have risen and rallied together through an uncertain period of time, particularly owning a local small business, running a farm or just being in a service sector.

A special $15 million stimulus round of the Regional Growth Fund has been brought forward by the Marshall Liberal Government to help fast track the recovery of regional economies after COVID-19 restrictions.

As South Australians head out into the regions this long weekend, travellers are being reminded to play their part in the battle against fruit fly and leave their fruit and vegetables at home.

The Hon. T.J. WHETSTONE (Chaffey—Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development) (15:26): I rise today to speak about a long-term problem faced by regional South Australia: the Black Spot program, which the previous government ignored because there were no blackspots under a Labor government, only under a Liberal government.

The biggest ever reform of South Australia’s commercial fishing industry is now under way with the Marine Scalefish Fishery (MSF) voluntary licence surrender program open for applications today.

More than 1,000 people a day are visiting the Marshall Liberal Government’s new jobs website targeting unemployed South Australians to get involved in seasonal work in agriculture, such as fruit picking or grape harvesting.

An interstate traveller has learnt the hard way it doesn’t pay to bring prohibited fruit into South Australia receiving a conviction and a fine after challenging their expiation notice for breaking the state’s strict biosecurity laws.