Question Time

MURRAY RIVER FERRIES

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:01): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Regional Development and Local Government a question regarding River Murray ferries.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: There are currently 12 ferries in service allowing South Australians and visitors to cross the River Murray at various points along its course in this state. These ferries are integral parts of the state road network, helping to link communities and individuals with each other and facilitate essential services across the region. These ferries are integral to the development of the regions allowing cost-effective access to areas in a manner which would not otherwise be efficiently possible.

My question is: as Minister for Regional Development and representing the Premier in this place, will the minister confirm that the asset management and operation of the River Murray ferries is the responsibility of the state government and that, as such, all expenditure surrounding the ferries should remain with the state government?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (15:02): I thank the honourable member for his important question and will refer it to the Minister for Transport in another place and bring back a response.