Golden North

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (15:45): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation questions regarding Golden North.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: This morning, once again we heard of another local business being passed over for a multinational. Golden North announced that they will no longer be supplying ice-creams to the Adelaide and Monarto zoos as Zoos SA has entered into an exclusive contract with Streets, which is owned by the global conglomerate Unilever.

I understand that, in response to being educated about palm oil and its association with deforestation, Golden North changed their business model to ensure that none of the products they manufacture, or products used in the manufacture of their products, uses palm oil. I understand this was largely due to Zoos SA's conservation message in relation to the destruction of habitat for orangutans.

Whilst I understand that Unilever has made a global commitment to ensure that any palm oil used in their products will be sourced from certified sustainable sources by the end of 2015, there is concern that this still goes against the information on the Zoos SA website, which states that Zoos SA has been working to ensure that our zoos are palm oil free.

Notwithstanding the apparent hypocrisy surrounding the palm oil issue, this is just yet another example of government choosing a multinational or interstate company over local businesses. I understand that this is only the most recent exclusive deal Streets has managed to secure at government affiliated sites, including Adelaide Oval and the South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

This seems to contradict the message the government is promoting in their Buy South Australian campaign, which encourages consumers to support and choose products and services from South Australian producers, growers, suppliers, manufacturers and service suppliers. After all, according to the government, when we buy something truly South Australian we benefit our state's economy and ensure its long-term future. My questions are:

1. Does the minister intend to raise this issue with the board of Zoos SA?

2. Will the government give recognition to local businesses and by South Australian, as they encourage consumers to do through their campaign?

3. Will the government consider negotiating contractual arrangements to allow South Australian companies like Golden North and Gelista to be sold at venues such as Adelaide Oval?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:48): I thank the honourable member for his important question. It is indeed disappointing to hear today on the radio that Zoos SA has decided to end its contract with a local producer such as Golden North and commence one with a—

The Hon. T.J. Stephens: Honey Giant Twins are the best.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: We all have our favourites, Mr Stephens, and we now know what yours are and how susceptible you are to that.

The Hon. T.J. Stephens: I would almost change parties for one of them!

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: You're on! I will encourage the Hon. Mr Maher to go out straight away and buy a carton for you, Mr Stephens, and see where you are when we come back in September.

The Hon. K.J. Maher: Minister Stephens!

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: Well, Mr President, I am known for making sacrifices for my side. However, to get back to the question I have been asked, it is disappointing, given that the zoo has had a record of standing up against unsustainable palm oil use, but I did hear the CE of the zoos, Ms Elaine Bensted, on the radio this morning—although, I should say that I didn't hear her; I read a transcript of what she had to say—and I understand that she with other zoos around the country are pressing on the new supplier similar requests about removing unsustainable—

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway interjecting:

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: —getting it done is the important thing—palm oil from their products, just as the zoo did with Golden North. Zoos SA has worked very hard in this campaign, and I encourage them to continue. They have a bit of a selling job ahead of them, but let us remember they are an independent body. They have had some financial difficulties, which the state government has been helping them with for some time now. I understand that the board has been considering this matter and thought about it fairly carefully over some time. I am not in the position to criticise the board for trying to manage their finances in a sustainable way and, whilst I do say that it is a disappointing decision, Zoos SA will need to justify that to their stakeholders.