Question Time

CADELL FERRY

Mrs REDMOND (Heysen—Leader of the Opposition) (15:24): Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am sure we can make the people who usually reside in this chamber understand how wonderful it is to have us in here. My question is to the Premier. When did cabinet first discuss the closure of the Cadell ferry and why did the Premier not stop the ferry's closure when this was first raised in cabinet? The Minister for Transport and Infrastructure told radio this morning in relation to the Cadell ferry closure, 'The matter was studied internally. Cabinet was notified of the considerations some time ago. The people were sent out then to consult on it. In my view, when they examined the process, they had not consulted the community early enough.'

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier, Minister for State Development) (15:25): Cabinet noted the decision. It was not a cabinet decision, but as is the process certain decisions are noted by cabinet. The simple truth is that we made a mistake, and that is what we have sought to do—correct the mistake.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!