Question Time

Algal Bloom

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA (Hartley—Leader of the Opposition) (14:14): My question is to the Premier. Does the Premier stand by his answer to the house yesterday? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA: Yesterday, I asked the Premier if he had asked the federal government to declare the algal bloom a natural disaster and, if so, when did he do it. The Premier said, 'Yes. I have not just said it publicly, I have also said it privately.' Today, in the Prime Minister's press conference, the Premier said that the Prime Minister has done everything the Premier has asked of him.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier) (14:15): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. The answer to the Leader of the Opposition's question is obviously yes. It is also true to say that despite the fact that the state government and I have made it clear that we believe the algal bloom is a natural disaster, it's also true to say that every request that was made of the Prime Minister for financial assistance or support or investment in research, grants for business, investment in the work that we are doing with rec fishers, the investment that we are doing in the work in terms of preparing for recovery and restoration have all been honoured.

I am also appreciative that today the Prime Minister made further announcements while he was here in Adelaide regarding the algal bloom. We, of course, as a state government are pulling every lever at our disposal to address this unprecedented crisis. It is exceptionally unique. It is dynamic and it's evolving almost by the hour in fact, and we continue to monitor it very closely.

I guess what as a government we have to be mature and honest about is that there are some things that we can't control here: we can't make the bloom go away. No individual or no policy in its own right or no government decision made the algal bloom appear, it is a force of nature. Or course, what we can do is focus on the measures that make a difference to those who are being affected and also make a difference to the environment where we can.

I am very proud that I lead a government that has been rather active in the environmental policy space with a range of measures that have been led by the Deputy Premier. This is a government that has invested more in the environment in both policy effort and in the department itself than our predecessors. I think that stands us in good stead. In respect of the algal bloom, of course, we have to focus on the areas that make a difference and that's where all of our attention is going.

Last night, I was at a really productive community forum in Hallett Cove with the member for Black. Tonight, I will be in the member for Colton's electorate speaking to that community. We have been around the state. I was in Victor Harbor last week. We are working anywhere and everywhere with anybody who is willing to engage with us productively to make a difference on the ground.