WATER BILLING

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (15:19): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Mineral Resources Development, representing the Minister for Water Security, a question regarding water billing.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: I refer to the notice appearing in the Government Gazette of 6 December 2007, whereby the water rates for the financial year commencing 1 July 2008 were fixed at 71 cents per kilolitre for each kilolitre up to 120 kilolitres, and at $1.38 per kilolitre for supply over 120 kilolitres. The Treasurer apologised to SA Water customers for the error made in sending out water bills for those properties where the meter was read prior to 30 June 2008 and which were charged at the new rate that was supposed to apply from 1 July 2008. The Minister for Water Security has this week announced that repayments of about $10 million will be made within the next few weeks to those who were overcharged. My questions are:

1. Exactly how much revenue was collected illegally as a result of the incorrect accounts?

2. Can the minister advise a date by which all repayments will be paid?

3. How much interest would have been received by the government on account of the overpaid accounts as at the date all refunds are repaid?

4. Will this interest be repaid to those who have been charged incorrectly? If not, why not?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (15:21): I thank the honourable member for his question, and I will refer it to the Minister for Water Security. However, I did note that the honourable member referred to how much had been collected 'illegally'; it was my understanding that with this money it was not so much a question of illegality but rather a question about the misrepresentation, if you like, that concerned the government. I am not sure whether or not that was illegal. With that comment, I will refer the matter to the Minister for Water Security and bring back a reply.