National Water Initiative

Mr WILLIAMS (MacKillop) (15:02): My question is to the Treasurer. Treasurer, why did you invoke in your most recent budget the impactor pays principle of the National Water Initiative when the Department for Water has not fulfilled its obligations under that same initiative to identify the cost of water planning and management, and have those costs independently verified and published?

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: Point of order, sir: the member for MacKillop does not have leave to make an explanation in his question. He is inserting fact and argument into his question.

The SPEAKER: Will the member for MacKillop repeat the question?

Mr WILLIAMS: With pleasure, sir. Why did the Treasurer invoke the impactor pays principle of the National Water Initiative when the Department for Water has not fulfilled its obligation under the same agreement to identify the costs of water planning and management, and have those costs independently verified and published?

The SPEAKER: Well, that contains a fair whack of comment or opinion, but we will let it go on this occasion. Minister.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (15:04): I will check on the veracity of the statements made by the member, about his assertion that certain criteria have not been met, and I will get back to the house with an answer.