Regional Impact Statements

Mr HUGHES (Giles) (15:07): Supplementary, Mr Speaker: does the minister believe that the requirement to prepare these statements does not apply to him?

The Hon. T.J. WHETSTONE (Chaffey—Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development) (15:07): Would you please repeat the question?

Mr HUGHES: Does the minister believe that the requirement to provide these statements does not apply to him given the answer or the non-answer given?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I think we have the question—twice.

The Hon. T.J. WHETSTONE: Thank you for the question. If we are going to talk budget cuts within primary industries and regions, obviously you have a very, very short memory. The forward estimates in the previous government: $28.6 million of cuts that we had to implement, $28.6 million of cuts. This government has acted responsibly, with a strong budget to support the regions of South Australia.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The minister has the call.

The Hon. T.J. WHETSTONE: We will prioritise the regions; we will give them the support that they have long needed. The 16 years that they have been forgotten will not happen again.

Mr Odenwalder interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Elizabeth will not interject, and he will refer to members by their electorate names when he is able to speak.