SA WATER

215 Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (31 July 2007). In June 2007, why didn't SA Water offer all residents in Garden Avenue compensation or stop valves to prevent future sewerage overflow damage?

The Hon. K.A. MAYWALD (Chaffey—Minister for the River Murray, Minister for Water Security, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Small Business, Minister Assisting the Minister for Industry and Trade): I am advised pursuant to the Waterworks Act 1932 and Sewerage Act 1929 SA Water Corporation is not liable for damages caused by internal overflows, burst water mains and the like unless such damage arises directly from a negligent act by the Corporation or its employees. The circumstances regarding wastewater overflows in Garden Avenue Burnside provide no indication of negligence on behalf of the corporation or its employees. Any approaches by insurers for recovery are denied; consistent with the provisions of the above Acts.