ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:31): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation a question in relation to the RSPCA investigation into Brinkworth.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: As avid readers of Hansard would know, this is an issue that has occupied the mind of a number of members. In a question on notice of 22 June 2010, I asked the then minister for environment and conservation about the investigation and whether the findings of the Solicitor-General's review would be released publicly. The reply of 7 April 2011 was as follows:

1. It is anticipated that the Solicitor General's review will be completed in May 2011.

2. A summary of the findings of the review will be publicly available.

That has not occurred. The RSPCA has certainly conveyed to me that it would welcome the public release of the report. Applications under freedom of information have been refused by the government. Can the minister explain when this review will be made publicly available and why it will have taken so long to release?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:32): I thank the honourable member for her most important question. I can say to the house that I have asked my department for a briefing on this matter. Once I have had that briefing and considered the material, I will be in a position to make a decision.