I acknowledge the hardships of the North Coast region and the substantial impacts of the floods, and I thank the fabulous member for Lismore for her advocacy and leadership demonstrated to her community at this time. I am advised that the Albanese Government and the New South Wales Government provided $34.7 million in 2022-23 to support the rebuilding of Norco's ice-cream factory as part of the $59.3 million Anchor Business Support Grant Program following the 2022 flood. In addition, the Government paid $8.5 million to Norco from March to July 2022 to support the ongoing employment of staff under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements following the 2022 flood event. Farmers who supply Norco have also received financial support as a result of the natural disasters in recent years. There were 36 farms across New South Wales—not just the North Coast—in the 2022-23 Dairy Farm Monitor Project dataset. The businesses affected were in local government areas that were eligible for the 2021 flood-related Critical Producer Grant, as well as the Special Disaster Grant. Approximately one-third of farms received grants of up to $100,000. Another third received funds in the range of $101,000 to $200,000. The remainder received $201,000 in grants.

When dealing with taxpayer funds, we need to ensure that appropriate processes are followed and integrity is at the centre. An open and competitive procurement process was undertaken. The tender was released on 31 August 2023. All existing suppliers were invited to submit a tender. To ensure the decision-making process was based on merit and fairness, only suppliers that fulfilled all mandatory tender requirements were able to progress through the tender. Further details about the tender are commercial in confidence. All NSW Health tenders are managed in accordance with strict procurement guidelines and probity measures, including a robust tender evaluation process. An extensive procurement process was undertaken over 18 months. It was fully aligned with legislative requirements, the NSW Government Procurement Policy Framework and Procurement Board directions.

A probity advisor and external procurement advisors were part of a thoroughly robust process. Notifications to successful and unsuccessful tenderers were issued in June. The successful supplier for the statewide dairy category is the Dairy and Drinks subsidiary of Bega Group, an Australian regional business. The contract commenced on 1 July 2024. I was advised that Norco received a debrief on the tender process and the Minister offered to meet with the CEO of Norco, the member for Lismore and representatives from HealthShare and NSW Health. That has already happened