DESALINATION PLANT

Mr WILLIAMS (MacKillop—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:28): My question again is to the Minister for Water. I am a very patient man. What were taxpayers getting in return for the payments under the operation and maintenance contract which were made between July 2009 and October 2011 when first water was first achieved?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:29): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I apologise. I was not—

Ms Chapman: Another world.

The Hon. P. CAICA: No, I wasn't. It is that bloke that is in the parallel universe, not me. What I would say is this: what are the people—meaning the customers, I guess; the people of South Australia—getting as a result of the—

Mr WILLIAMS: Point of order, Madam Speaker. I am more than happy to repeat this question because apparently the minister has not listened. What were the taxpayers of South Australia getting in return for the payments made under the operating and maintenance contract between 2009 and 2011 in the period before first water was achieved?

The Hon. P. CAICA: I did actually hear the question, Madam Speaker, and had I been given the opportunity—

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: Well, I said three words. I can't quite work out how it is that I haven't answered the question after three words.

An honourable member interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P. CAICA: But what are the people of South Australia getting? They are getting water security. This government made a decision to construct a desalination plant that ensures that future generations are not only having their water security underpinned but there is water for the economic growth of the state. And, as a consequence of that and all payments for the desalination plant, that is what they are getting.