Nyrstar

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (17:20): My question is to the Minister for Regional Development. As part of the government's agreement to underwrite the $514 million upgrade at the Nyrstar lead smelter in Port Pirie, what guarantees were sought regarding South Australia sourcing labour and materials associated with the upgrade?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (17:20): Guarantees.

Mr Whetstone interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Chaffey is warned for the second and final time.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Mr Speaker, I have to say, given the trouble that the government went through to secure this guarantee—which should have been offered by the commonwealth because, quite frankly, the impact that Nyrstar has on our economy is larger than just South Australia. It is a global company based in Zurich that was investing in two states in the commonwealth, one in Tasmania and one in South Australia, and the investments were symbiotic. One does not last without the other.

The Liberal Party is now saying, 'Even though the commonwealth walked away and left you on your own, even though the Prime Minister was happy to see Nyrstar not reinvested in, what guarantees did you get on local investment?' How about you just say thank you rather than getting up and whingeing about an outcome you had absolutely nothing to do with? How dare you get up and try and criticise the government—not you, Mr Speaker: you would never criticise the government unless it was appropriate. I have to say, that question says more about the asker than the government.

Mr Goldsworthy interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Kavel is called to order and the Treasurer is warned for the second and final time.

Mr Goldsworthy interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Kavel is warned for rejoicing in the Treasurer being warned a second time. Member for Chaffey.