Power Outages, Arrium

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:48): Given that the minister made it clear to the house just then that it's far too early to be concerned, is the minister aware that if power isn't restored in Whyalla to the Arrium steelworks by 5 o'clock today there is a very real risk of the steel solidifying in the blast furnace—as early as two hours ago?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy) (14:49): It's far too early to tell.

Mr Hughes: You don't have steel in a blast furnace. It's iron, the molten.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Yes, but it's far too early to tell, and when we—

Mr Marshall: It's a very serious issue.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: It is a very serious issue, and I don't think there is anyone on this side of the chamber and, quite frankly, most members opposite—

The Hon. L.A. Vlahos interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The Minister for Disabilities is called to order.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: —who aren't concerned about this. I have spoken to a number of local communities and some of their leaders in this parliament and there are serious concerns about businesses. I am very worried about not only the large industrial users but I am also worried about a lot of small businesses. A lot of small businesses are doing it tough. Last night, a lot of small businesses in this state lost a lot of money because they weren't able to operate, but South Australians are resilient.

I've got to say that I was exceptionally proud of the way we conducted ourselves yesterday as a state. We just got on with it. We got on with it, and I think that was a great example of who we are as a community. No doubt, once this emergency is over, once this weather event is over, yes, we can have a political to and fro about the consequences of it. That's fine, but right now we are in the middle of it and we are all sticking together and we are working hard to make sure that those industries that need power can get power and get power quickly.