QUESTIONS ON NOTICE › Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government (Question No. 2012)
Senator Whish-Wilson 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.