Legislative Council Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2) 52 2 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Question Time Great Australian Bight Marine Park Whale Sanctuary GREAT AUSTRALIAN BIGHT MARINE PARK WHALE SANCTUARY The Hon. M. PARNELL Legislative Council GREAT AUSTRALIAN BIGHT MARINE PARK WHALE SANCTUARY The Hon. M. PARNELL (14:26): I have a supplementary question. Does the minister have any concerns for the viability of the whale watching industry on the West Coast as a result of today's announcement that BP is now formally proceeding with its offshore oil exploration activities in the Great Australian Bight in the whale habitat area? The President Legislative Council The PRESIDENT: It's a long bow but, minister. The Hon. I.K. HUNTER Legislative Council Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:26): We are in the same geographic area, I suppose. The President Legislative Council The PRESIDENT: Yes. An honourable member Legislative Council An honourable member: There's whales in the bight. The Hon. I.K. HUNTER Legislative Council The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: Yes, but the original question was about air and fees. It had nothing much to do with BP. Members interjecting: The President Legislative Council The PRESIDENT: Minister, it is happy hour, so let's go for it. The Hon. I.K. HUNTER Legislative Council The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: It is a long bow. Of course, the state government is concerned for the benefits for marine mammals wherever they are in South Australian waters and we will do our utmost to ensure that they are protected.