FISHERIES

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (14:27): I have a supplementary question. Will the minister either confirm or deny the rumour that, in the marine park in the Great Australian Bight, there is a possibility that a permit will be approved for oil drilling in the Bight?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (14:27): I am not aware of that. I cannot answer that question; it is not within my ministerial responsibilities. I find it quite remarkable that here we have this wonderful opportunity to complement commonwealth marine parks with our state marine parks. Not only are these parks critical in terms of identifying really important marine ecosystems and making sure that we protect and maintain them into the future to keep our seas in a healthy, tiptop condition but also, although it is not part of a fishing management plant, they play an important part in keeping our waters healthy and, of course, our fisheries as well.