HANSON BAY

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:58): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation on the subject of property at Hanson Bay on Kangaroo Island.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: I understand that in October last year the state government spent some $1.8 million buying property at Hanson Bay on Kangaroo Island. My questions are:

1. Can the government explain the rationale behind the purchase of this property?

2. Can the minister explain the due diligence which was undertaken by the government in determining that this was an effective use of funds?

3. Did the government consider that the $1.8 million may have been better spent on the River Murray or numerous other essential environment programs which have been slashed by this government?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:59): I thank the honourable member for her most important question on the subject of the Hanson Bay property purchase. I am not aware of the details of any such purchase. I will undertake to investigate the matter and bring back a response at my earliest convenience.