Theft
To the person that stole three Kangaroo Paws from our front garden. If you were that desperate I would have given you one. They don’t cost much but providing you can read and buy or steal the local paper I have your picture on our security cameras. Hopefully you can afford to buy a few more if you are that desperate.
Help yourself to as many weeds as you like!
Peter Lock, Port Lincoln
Virtual Fencing
In parliament in mid-October I asked the Primary Industries Minister why South Australian farmers were still unable to use to virtual fencing, despite the relevant legislation being passed in February.
This game-changing technology uses GPS-enabled collars on livestock to deliver sound, vibration and minor electric cues, creating boundaries that allow farmers to shift and monitor their animals without the need for physical fencing.
When I asked that question in the upper house, virtual fencing was already being used in Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia, and their producers were reaping the benefits.
The South Australian government Animal Welfare Act 2025 was passed on 20 February this year, yet the path has only been cleared – finally – this week for SA farmers to use virtual fencing, and the technology still won’t actually be rolled out until next year.
In short, the amendment was green-lit this week, but primary producers can only apply to the government for approval of their virtual fencing technology and system “from early 2026”.
Naturally, I’m pleased for farmers their wait will soon be over, and note the positive reactions this week by various industry groups, such as SA Dairy Farmers and Livestock SA.
However, as I pointed out in parliament, what does the delay say about the priority the government places on the survival and sustainability of South Australia’s food producers?
The government’s own drought hub has been spruiking the benefits of virtual fencing for months now, yet it hasn’t been available.
A city-centric focus – from any and all South Australian politicians – must never hinder the state’s food producers, and my party, Fair Go, will continue to advocate for them.
Sarah Game MLC, Fair Go for Australians Party
