FORESTRYSA

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (15:21): I have a supplementary question. Why won't the government offer a long-term solution to Carter Holt Harvey if they are interested in the long-term sustainability of the industry?

The PRESIDENT: Hardly a supplementary question.

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) (15:21): They don't listen. They just nod off over there. They are away there in noddy land. I have already outlined that we believe the causes of Carter Holt's problems are cyclic and short term. We believe they will right themselves.

Why on earth would we jeopardise our ForestrySA organisation—a commercial business—to commit to the long-term setting of log price when we believe that it is highly likely this problem will resolve itself in the short term? The honourable member is asking this government to be irresponsible and foolish. We have already outlined what we believe the problems are. We have provided a very sound and responsible assistance package to address the current issues that are before CHH, and that is a responsible use of public money.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: I have a further supplementary question.

The PRESIDENT: I'm not going to allow this to keep going. The Hon. Mr Ridgway.