MARINE PARKS

Mr PENGILLY (Finniss) (14:38): My question is to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation. Did the minister consult with the Minister for Tourism over the closure of Seal Bay Beach to tourism under the marine parks sanctuary zone proposal? The draft zones on the government's own website clearly show Seal Bay Beach as a restricted access area for researchers only. It is the department's major source of income on the island with almost $2 million in revenue generated from this site alone per year. The government is targeting a doubling of visitors through its KI Futures Authority under the direction of the Deputy Premier.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:39): Marine parks are an investment in the future of our state. Indeed, there is a great parallel between what we do on the land and what we are trying to achieve in the oceans as well, the multiple use of those particular zones. But why on earth—and I try my best to ignore the member for Finniss, but what I would say this is and I spoke earlier about blatant scaremongering—why on earth would we restrict access to a beach that provides a significant amount—

Mr Pengilly interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P. CAICA: —of income to our department and the benefit to people of—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Minister, can you sit down a moment please? The member for Finniss will behave. You will not be shouting across the floor.

Mr Pengilly interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, member for Finniss! Minister.

The Hon. P. CAICA: Quite simply, just to summarise it, the assertions made by the member for Finniss are nonsensical.

Mr Pengilly interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Member for Finniss, take a walk for 10 minutes. You will leave the chamber for 10 minutes.

The honourable member for Finniss having withdrawn from the chamber: