Tasmanian Government grants SA potato company an import licence

Labor Primary Industries spokesman Shane Broad asked during Question Time on Thursday if Primary Industries Minister could confirm the permit had been granted, which he did.

"I am aware of the decision of Biosecurity Tasmania, made by the Chief Plant Health Manager, based on a risk assessment," Primary Industries Minister Guy Barnett told Parliament in response to the question.

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However, the answer was met with interjections from members of Parliament, who took issue with how Mr Barnett began his answer.

Speaker Sue Hickey called Parliament to order partway through Mr Barnett's answer, as he began to tell the House how important the potato industry was to Tasmania.

Mr Barnett said "there was no greater supporter" to Tasmanian agriculture than the Gutwein Liberal Government.

But Mr Broad accused the government of selling out Tasmanian potato producers. He said the decision was made without consultation and would lead to biosecurity and job risks.

Tasmania is a significant contributor to Australia's potato industry.

It's believed the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment held a consultation session with growers on Thursday.

Potato producers have had a difficult 12 months, contending with COVID shutting down the hospitality industry, and a wet harvest season that left many potato growers unable to harvest their crop.

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