Martindale Hall

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (14:55): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation a question regarding Martindale Hall.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: At a community meeting in Mintaro last night, department officials indicated that the government would take over the property in early December. The current occupants have been asked to leave, one of whom has been involved for more than a decade. This smells of a sale to me. Will the minister confirm that Martindale Hall will not be sold? What is the government's long-term plan for Martindale Hall?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:56): I thank the honourable member for his most excellent question. He has, unfortunately, attempted to gazump an announcement that we might be making at some future stage, but yes, I understand that the current lease holders of the business at Martindale Hall will no longer be continuing in that position. That is my understanding. I have asked the department to investigate future options for either the business continuing or otherwise. Once I have that information back, I will be making a determination.