During 2020/21, we influenced the development of the new Biosecurity Act for South Australia to ensure the South Australian grape and wine industry retains its biosecurity focus and activity.
We facilitated significant consultation with the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA), Wine Grape Council of South Australia (WGCSA), industry, PIRSA and the Minister on the proposal to repeal the Phylloxera and Grape Industry Act 1995 and consolidate it in the proposed new Biosecurity Act.
Vinehealth requested further information from PIRSA to enable industry to make an informed assessment on whether the Phylloxera and Grape Industry Act 1995 should be included or not.
Following consultation, the Minister indicated that it would be at the discretion of the viticulture and wine industry as to whether the Phylloxera and Grape Industry Act 1995 is incorporated into the new Biosecurity Act.
Vinehealth lodged a detailed submission about the Biosecurity Act in November 2020 in response to the public consultation phase by PIRSA.
Work will continue with PIRSA in 2021-22 on the link between the Phylloxera and Grape Industry Act 1995 and the new Biosecurity Act.
The Phylloxera and Grape Industry Board of South Australia, trading as Vinehealth Australia is a statutory authority that obtains its powers and functions from the Phylloxera and Grape Industry Act 1995. The purpose of the Act is to protect vineyards from disease and to assist and support the grape industry in South Australia.
“Vinehealth is able to drive exceptional outcomes for the South Australian grape and wine industries due to the functions and powers obtained from the Phylloxera Act,” said Inca Lee, Vinehealth Australia CEO.
“It’s important that the South Australian grape and wine industry retains this power to keep its vineyards safe.”