GIANT CUTTLEFISH

The Hon. M. PARNELL (14:57): As a supplementary, when the minister said that a great deal of work was being done, she did not say what she was doing as Minister for Regional Development or Minister for Tourism, so I ask her: what has she done in relation to her portfolios? In particular, will she back the call of the Mayor of Whyalla for a task force, and will she agree to meet with the Conservation Council, which has offered to facilitate such a task force to bring all the key players together to try to work out what has gone on and how this unique aggregation is best able to continue into the future?

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) (14:57): I continue to support the work that SARDI is involved in in terms of evaluating and monitoring—I very much support that—as well as the involvement in the closure that I just outlined in my response. Those things are supported. I continue to work with the minister for the environment in a cooperative and collegial way to ensure that this work continues.

In relation to a task force, I am happy to consider that. I do not know how helpful it would be, but I take that on board and will consider whether that would be helpful. In terms of meeting with the Conservation Council, I am available to meet with the council any time I am asked; and it has never, ever, to the best of my knowledge, asked to meet with me about this particular matter. I attempt to meet with any and all organisations that request to see me, whether they are small or large.

I try to meet with as many members of the public and representative organisations as possible; and, if I am not able to meet with them, I can usually manage to ensure that an officer is able to meet with them and pass on their concerns and considerations to me.