WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (14:53): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Environment and Conservation, representing the Minister for Water Security, a question on SA Water.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD: Some 90 per cent of all revenue from SA Water is directed to general revenue rather than to improving water infrastructure. The latest—and, indeed, the previous—Auditor-General's Report and investigations on water pricing by the Essential Services Commission of South Australia reveal significant discomfort about such high dividends being taken for South Australian water and not being used to invest in water infrastructure. How can dividends of some 90 per cent from SA Water be justified in the wake of increasingly failing water infrastructure in South Australia?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health) (14:53): I thank the honourable member for his question. I am happy to refer it to the appropriate minister in another place and bring back a response.