Oil and Gas Sector

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (14:36): My question is again to the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy. When, on three occasions approving variations to the work plan for petroleum exploration licence 570 for Ambassador Exploration, did the minister consider the work programs offered by the other original applicants for the licence before granting the variations?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (14:37): Going back to the original question—

Mr van Holst Pellekaan: What's wrong with this one?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I'm going to answer this one, too. I have additional information.

Mr van Holst Pellekaan interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: If you're not interested in it, fine, I'll give it to you on notice. I'll take that question on notice and get a detailed answer for the member. Other than to say—

Mr van Holst Pellekaan: Which question?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: The question you just asked now. I will get you some detailed responses to that. I will also say I think it is important that the shadow minister quote in its entirety the FOI that he used to ask his first question and perhaps that would better explain and make the house fully aware of what it is he is attempting to seek.

Mr Wingard: How do you know that?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: If the member for Mitchell claims to have some further information, perhaps he can get up and ask me a question as well.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Just talking to himself, is he? Okay. It seems that selectively quoting from FOIs is okay. But I, again, stand by the integrity of the department, stand by the integrity of the bid team and stand by the integrity of the way this government has regulated the oil and gas sector and, if the members opposite have any evidence, I ask them to provide it.