SA POWER NETWORKS

Mr GRIFFITHS (Goyder) (14:59): My question is to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. Has the state government offered to assist SA Power Networks in accessing land in the Glynde area to construct a substation instead of the planned site which is, as I understand it, in a suburban street and its development will impact on adjoining residents?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Housing and Urban Development) (15:00): I thank the member for Goyder for his question. I think it is fair to say that the amount of pressure that the member for Hartley is putting on me and the government about this substation is getting to the point where it is a bit intense. Alas, SA Power Networks are seeming to dig their heels in. I am doing my very best to try to find an alternative site. Unfortunately for us, we do not own these assets anymore and we do not own—

Mr Hamilton-Smith interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Waite is called to order.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: We have given SA Power Networks alternative sites, as have other interested bodies. The problem is this: all the power that the energy minister once had to direct SA Power Networks, where to build their infrastructure, how to do it, was gone when we sold our assets. While the member for Waite, who supported the sale of our electricity assets, says 'also our liabilities', I think the residents who are affected by this substation will find cold comfort in his words today. I think it is important to note this is what happens when the government takes its hands off the levers of some of our most important utilities, like our power assets. I wish—

Mr PISONI: Mr Speaker, point of order.

The SPEAKER: If it be a point of order.

Mr PISONI: The minister is entering into debate.

The SPEAKER: Yes, the minister is entering into debate. Thank you. Member for Kavel.