NARACOORTE CAVES

The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN (14:56): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Environment and Conservation a question about the Naracoorte Caves.

Leave granted.

The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN: The caves of South Australia's South-East, especially those at Naracoorte, are some of the most spectacular tourist attractions the state has to offer. They are a vital part of the natural heritage of our ancient land—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN: I would have thought that withering fossils would be of particular interest to the opposition, Mr President. The caves are a vital part of the natural heritage of our state and offer a rare opportunity for South Australians and visitors from all over the world to enjoy this magnificent site.

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN: Of course I have. Will the minister inform the council of the latest initiatives taken to attract visitors to these fantastic caves?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health) (14:58): I thank the honourable member for his question and for his ongoing interest in these important policy matters. Indeed, the Naracoorte Caves are a theatre for the beauty of the natural world, and I am pleased to inform the council that this weekend the caves will become a theatre of a different kind, with a special performance of William Shakespeare's greatest play, Macbeth, by Ozact, one of Australia's leading outdoor Shakespearian companies.

Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's most popular and well-known plays, a classic tale of political intrigue, greed and murder. It is a play that has been open to many interpretations over the years, and seeing it rewritten for modern times—

The Hon. B.V. Finnigan: In the modern setting of a Liberal Party preselection.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: With all those other fossils. A recent Australian film adaptation saw the story unfold in Melbourne's underworld, instead of medieval Scotland. I think lovers of Shakespeare's plays would be excited at the prospect of this great work being told in this incredibly haunting and magical environment, and I am sure it will be a special experience for seasoned theatregoers as well as those who have yet to experience the small stage set.

The Ozact theatre company is well-known throughout Victoria and South Australia for its excellent outdoor Shakespearian productions in environmentally significant settings, and the company has performed in the Naracoorte Caves previously. I urge all those who can attend to be there. There will be four performances at this world heritage-listed site, and further information can be obtained through Ozact.