Andrew McLachlan (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Minister Wong. The devastating South Australian algal bloom now covers 4,500 square kilometres across the coastline and the Great Australian Bight. International scientist and Director of the US National Office for Harmful Algal Blooms Dr Donald Anderson has labelled this bloom as one of the worst recorded algal blooms in the world. Eighteen months ago, scientists called for federal government support to monitor the bloom. Five months ago, scientists and local businesses called for support when marine life washed up dead on our beaches. Minister, when did the South Australian government first officially raise the issue of the algal bloom with the federal government?