MURRAY COD FISHERY

Mr WILLIAMS (MacKillop—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:55): Can I ask a supplementary to clarify the answer the minister has just given?

The SPEAKER: Yes.

Mr WILLIAMS: Minister, am I right in that, up until now, it has been illegal to catch Murray cod, but that, if you inadvertently caught one, you had to put it back, and now it is legal to catch them but you still have to put them back?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN (Napier—Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Northern Suburbs) (14:56): As the deputy leader is aware, life is made up of balance, so in this particular instance we have determined that we want to see anglers back in the Riverland enjoying what they do, which is pursuing the cod, but we are very much cognisant of the fact that the species is under threat.

The science has informed us—and it has been a very rigorous process—that we will be able to maintain the population and see it grow. If the deputy leader wants to get out there with a policy opposing this particular position and go up to the Riverland and argue it, well, so be it.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr WILLIAMS: That's much clearer!

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P.F. Conlon interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, the Minister for Transport!