DESALINATION PLANT

Mr WILLIAMS (MacKillop—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:15): My question is to the Minister for Water. What penalty has the government imposed under the desalination plant contract with AdelaideAqua due to their failure to deliver upon the December 2010 first water deadline?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:15): Of course, the matter of any dispute between the consortium and SA Water is a matter for them. Of course, there were—

Ms Chapman: You're the minister.

The Hon. P. CAICA: Yes. Amongst—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: They can answer the question if they like.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P. CAICA: Of course, the primary objective of this whole process is to ensure that this state has water security into the future. Hence, the decision to build—

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Bragg, order!

The Hon. P. CAICA: The best outcome that could be achieved is an outcome that is an agreed outcome and seeking a resolution between the two parties. Of course, the desalination plant, I am advised, is still on track to be completed at the date that was originally envisaged, that is December 2012. It will come in on or under budget. But I am pleased to report to the house that I have been advised that SA Water has reached a resolution deal with the consortium and, as we know, the best outcome—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: I don't have the details of that resolution. All I have been advised is that resolution has been reached, and that is a good thing. It probably does not suit the opposition because, not only do they—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr Williams interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Member for MacKillop, you have asked your question. Order!

The Hon. P. CAICA: Not only do they disagree with aspects of how it is that we go about making sure that water in this state is actually secure, not only do they not agree with the state government's position—indeed, the significant majority of South Australia's position—on fighting for the River Murray, they of course do not like the idea of being able to settle a long-running dispute, and that is what has occurred, and I congratulate both SA Water and the consortium on reaching that.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: No, the answer is I don't know the terms of the settlement, but—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: Well, I said that.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P.F. Conlon interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: Yes, that's right. As my good friend the minister for infrastructure said, they are quite happy to fight the Spanish but not the Victorians.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!