Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, upon notice, on 14 August 2012:

With reference to the $300,000 research grant provided to Smart Viticulture under the Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement $20 million Economic Diversification Package:

(1) Was the Tasmanian wine industry, including its peak body Wine Industry Tasmania, consulted directly in relation to:

(a) Tasmanian wine industry research, or other priorities and funding opportunities under the Economic Diversification Package; and

(b) their views on the Smart Viticulture research project, study of vineyard sites and climate.

(2) What was the exact process that led to the granting of $300,000 funding to Smart Viticulture under the Economic Diversification Package.

(3) Was this specific study to be undertaken by Smart Viticulture as a part of the Economic Diversification Package put out to tender; if not, why not.