St Kilda Mangroves

Dr CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (15:01): My question is to the Minister for Environment and Water. Has the minister or anyone in his office instructed his department or other agencies under his control not to give any more contracts to Peri Coleman or EcoProTem? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Dr CLOSE: On the same radio interview on the morning of 19 October on ABC radio, there was the following exchange:

David Bevan: Peri Coleman is credible though.

Speirs: Well, I'm not going to rely on Peri Coleman's anecdotal evidence. I'm going to—

Bevan: Her scientific analysis.

Speirs: That's your assessment of Peri Coleman.

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS (Black—Minister for Environment and Water) (15:01): No, I certainly haven't instructed any of my agencies not to procure the services of Peri Coleman. I guess if they had a view that she could provide insight and experience into one of the areas of her scientific expertise, they would be certainly able to do so, if they felt it was in a way that was appropriate.