SOUTH ROAD UPGRADES

Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:36): My supplementary to the Minister for Transport is: if planning commenced in 2011, why did you make the first announcement on this part of South Road in 2006?

The SPEAKER: Could the Minister for Transport help us with that historical point?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Housing and Urban Development) (14:36): I suppose, to remove the log from her own eye, sir, I will say: how can it be that the Leader of the Opposition would stand on the side of the road next to the Leader of the Opposition Mr Abbott pronouncing Darlington and then not support it in their own policy?

Ms CHAPMAN: Point of order.

The SPEAKER: The question was so otiose that it invited a reply like that.

Ms CHAPMAN: With respect, sir, the minister has—

The SPEAKER: The Minister for Transport was the member for West Torrens and a backbencher in 2006, so what is the point of order?

Ms CHAPMAN: Can I just outline: so far the minister has explained the process of planning, the cost-benefit analysis and the $70 million study which he has outlined as the basis upon which the government has apparently responsibly made this announcement, and that had started in 2011. My simple question is: given that process, having started in 2011 to lead up to the announcement this week, how is it that this project was announced by the government in 2006? He is a member of the government. If your ruling is suggesting that he cannot answer questions in respect of the portfolio prior to his appointment, then I would ask—

The SPEAKER: Would the Minister for Transport respond to this underarm delivery?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I do not know why Commissioner Salisbury was sacked. I do not know why Thomas Playford nationalised the Electricity Trust of South Australia. I was not responsible for those decisions, but what I am responsible for is the delivery of a non-stop corridor on South Road. This government is committed to Port Road, Grange Road and the Outer Harbor line. The opposition is silent—

The SPEAKER: We're not interested—

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: —and their comrades in Canberra want to can it.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The minister is warned for the second time.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Thank you for your assistance. Does the deputy leader have a point of order?

Ms CHAPMAN: No sir, I have a further supplementary.

The SPEAKER: A further supplementary.