CARBON TAX

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (15:18): As a supplementary: has the minister in her capacity as Minister for Regional Development visited Port Pirie, and has she, in fact, met with Nyrstar or any of the locals who are employed at the smelter?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling) (15:18): I have visited Port Pirie—

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! The Hon. Mr Ridgeway is expending a lot of carbon.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: I have visited many regional centres. I have not met with Nyrstar but I have met with many industry leaders, including OneSteel and many, many other industry leaders, as well as non-government community groups. I have had a relationship with the regions for many, many years, particularly in my ministerial responsibilities.

One of my first ministerial responsibilities was as the minister for environment, and I had a series of ongoing regional visits throughout that portfolio and many other portfolios that I have had; so I have established some extremely good relationships right throughout the regions with a wide cross-section of industry groups.

What I can say is that most South Australians are deeply and profoundly concerned about the long-term impact of carbon pollution on this planet and the enormous ongoing social, environmental and economic cost to this community. I could not count the number of people who have approached me to raise their deep and profound concerns.