SA WATER CUSTOMER SERVICE

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:40): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question to the Minister for Water and the River Murray regarding SA Water's contractor customer service standards.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: Last week, I was contacted by a constituent regarding some weed spraying undertaken by an SA Water contractor on 19 October. The constituent's property backs onto the Sturt Creek near Immanuel College. On that day, in the morning, the contractor sprayed a number of the constituent's fruit trees, which are at least three feet back from his fence, which sits at approximately seven feet high. Upon this gentleman's wife approaching the contractor, he apparently sprayed in her direction and displayed inappropriate behaviour.

At this time, the constituent attempted to contact SA Water through their emergency contact number. They were instructed to leave a name and number and someone would call them back, which did not take place. They tried again that day, with no response. On Monday, they tried again and received a call back and were instructed that SA Water will investigate the matter and send someone to look at the fruit trees but refused to provide them with any information. Some week later, the gentleman still has not heard back from SA Water regarding this investigation, no-one has been out to inspect his trees and nearly all of the fruit has fallen off one of the trees, with branches also turning brown. My questions to the minister are:

1. Will he ensure that this matter is investigated?

2. Can he advise whether the behaviour is within contractor customer service standards and, indeed, SA Water's standards for responding to such matters and, if not, what action will he take?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:42): I thank the honourable member for her most important questions. My answer is: yes, and I will investigate the matter and bring back a response for her.