FORESTRYSA

The Hon. I.F. EVANS (Davenport) (14:31): My question is to the Minister for Finance. Given the minister's statement in 2010 that it was a really bad time to sell the forests, can the minister advise if it is a better time to sell the forests now, and if so, why?

Members interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (14:31): I am the Acting Treasurer. I think it is important to note that the South Australian government has acted in the interest of all people in the South-East, and I think, if you read the editorials from the—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Well, I think you do, I think you do, and I found very interesting the press release released yesterday by the Liberal Party calling on us to subsidise all log mills in South Australia. I wondered whether or not the opposition have put out any offsets for that extra spending.

Mr Pederick: All or none.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: None; that's right. The government has done the right thing by the people of South Australia. The government always acts in the best interests of the people of the South-East. I find it interesting that, when ForestrySA commit to contracts on 15 to 20 years log for some sawmills, that is not privatisation, but when we saw the forward rotations maintain ownership of the land, that is. I think the government has done the right thing by the people of South Australia, realising the value of those assets.

Mr WILLIAMS: Point of order, Madam Speaker. Relevance: the question was, 'Is it a good time—is it a better time to sell the forests?' Is it a better time?

The SPEAKER: Thank you, member for MacKillop. Minister, have you completed your answer?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Yes.

The SPEAKER: Thank you. Member for Taylor.