Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (15:55): My question is to the Minister for Environment and Water. Can the minister confirm dolphin numbers in the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary have dropped from 95 in 1998 to between 10 and 15 now and supply data to help understand what is now an unsustainable decline in dolphin numbers, their illnesses and tragic deaths?

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS (Black—Minister for Environment and Water) (15:56): I thank the member for Florey for her question. I can't confirm those numbers precisely, but there has certainly been a decline in numbers. It was an accelerated decline in the first half of the last decade, and there has been a decline in more recent times as well. I certainly worry about the sustainability of that.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS: It might be a laughing matter for the members of the Labor Party, but I know the member for Florey is very interested in this.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS: Well, clearly it was, just going by the fact—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The minister has the call.

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS: It's a matter that I am taking very seriously and continue to ensure is investigated and that the investigation has the appropriate resources.