WATER METERS

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (16:00): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Mineral Resources Development, representing the Minister for Water Security, a question about water meter readings.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: On 11 November 2008, I asked a question of the minister raising concerns about the inaccurate readings of water meters since the task was outsourced to AMRS (Australia) and indicated that there is no way for a resident to know whether their meter had been read correctly. I understand that there has been a turnover rate of staff of approximately 80 per cent at AMRS (Australia) and that there is growing dissatisfaction with the service that it provides.

In the past, when SA Water undertook meter readings, its staff would leave a yellow or pink coloured slip in the letterbox to notify the resident that their meter had been read and what the reading was. My question is: in light of growing discontent with the service provided by AMRS (Australia) and the fact that quarterly meter readings have been thrust upon us, would the minister reconsider reintroducing the coloured slip system so that owners can check for themselves whether their reading is correct?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (16:01): I thank the honourable member for his important question. I will refer that to the Minister for Water Security in another place and bring back a reply.