OLYMPIC DAM EXPANSION

Mr WILLIAMS (MacKillop—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (15:02): My question is to the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy. Will the minister rule out under any circumstances extending the time for the Olympic Dam indenture validation if BHP does not submit a project notice within the 12-month term of the agreement? The minister told the media on 29 May in relation to approving a time frame extension:

I will not be granting an extension. If they want to put it on hold they can but they know that the consequence is that they will lose their approvals. I don't bluff.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier, Minister for State Development) (15:03): I want to take the opportunity to support the minister in his remarks which have also been confirmed by a minister in the upper house. It seems that some of those opposite have decided to criticise that position but I think it is the proper decision.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: We entered into this indenture agreement advisedly and it is our intention to maintain that position. The approvals have been granted. We have taken every step necessary to ensure that BHP is in the position to make the decision to give approval to this project. We have taken all of those steps that are consistent with those things within our control to make sure that they have a clear way to make an approval. We have also made representations to affect the decisions of others who may be making decisions that could influence BHP's decision including—

Ms Chapman: 'Hello, Julia'?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: —the federal government.

Ms Chapman: Yes.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Precisely. We made representations about the diesel fuel rebate and the accelerated mining tax and they, of course, did not appear in the recent federal budget. That, of course, is going to be a material consideration in the decision-making process of BHP.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! A supplementary, did you say?