Question Time

Algal Bloom

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA (Hartley—Leader of the Opposition) (14:41): My question is to the Premier. Does the government have something to hide regarding the harmful algal bloom? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA: On 16 October, the other place passed a motion compelling documents to be tabled in relation to the bloom. Since last checking, I am advised that these documents remain outstanding.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier, Minister for Defence and Space Industries) (14:41): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. My advice is that the Department of Premier and Cabinet, amongst other agencies, have worked assiduously since the passage of the resolution in the other place to ensure that they could furnish all necessary documents. I understand there is a process in place to achieve that. I would note that there is—

The Hon. V.A. Tarzia interjecting:

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS: I would note that there is a lot of effort and resources that have been put into this—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS: A lot of effort and resources have been put into this exercise. We have made clear from the outset that we don't intend to take resources off the frontline of service delivery associated with the harmful algal bloom to achieve the objectives, and we do the best we can given the sort of clearly political timeframe that was put in place by those in the council. I also note that the government is facilitating this request notwithstanding the fact that it is under no obligation to do so. We are doing so because we have no reason not to.