SA Water

Mr WILLIAMS (MacKillop) (15:17): My supplementary is to the Treasurer. Since 2006, when the current financial arrangements were instituted between the government and SA Water, has there been any financial transfer from the Consolidated Account of the government to SA Water, other than the $2.7 billion of debt transferred?

The SPEAKER: I am not sure that that question arose out of the minister's answer, but I will ask the Treasurer.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (15:17): I will get a detailed answer for the member.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: It is like the Romans: 'What have the Romans ever done for us?' That's right. The opposition are claiming that there has been no transfer. Every time a road project is built in this state by the government, whether it is a partnership with the commonwealth or the state, I will get a detailed answer to show him exactly what it is we contribute.

I also point out this to the member for MacKillop. Given that SA Water is a monopoly provider of water and is owned by the people of South Australia and those profits are socialised, it is important that we set that pricing in accordance with COAG rules. I heard no such complaint from the member for MacKillop when he was deputy leader of the opposition and when he held multiple portfolios representing economic briefs in this parliament about not adhering to principles established by the then Howard government—not once.

Mr Marshall interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I know you're having a bad year. It's okay; it will be over soon.

The SPEAKER: The Treasurer is warned for responding to interjections.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I am sorry for defending myself, sir. I apologise.

The SPEAKER: Your apology is accepted. Don't do it in future.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Thank you, sir. I will get a detailed answer for the member but I note on the record here that he interjected, 'There was none', so we will see if he is right.