ALPINE CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD

Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:51): My question is to the Minister for Housing. Has the construction of Housing SA properties been delayed or abandoned following the collapse of Alpine Constructions? Documents provided to the opposition under FOI show six contracts valued at over $3.8 million and involving 29 Housing SA properties were pending at the date of the application, that is, 20 March 2009. Alpine Constructions is a partner with the government in the Newport Quays development and went into administration on 6 March 2009 with debts of more than $4 million.

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Families and Communities, Minister for Northern Suburbs, Minister for Housing, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability) (14:51): Alpine Constructions has had an administrator appointed, as understand it, and the South Australian Housing Trust has some contracts with Alpine Constructions. I am told it is to build 55 houses under 10 contracts, and these contracts range between $315,000 and $1.6 million. Upon receiving advice about the administrator being appointed, I sent a letter to the administrator asking that our contracts be proceeded with as quickly as possible.

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: I have not yet received an answer.