South-East Drainage System

The Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE (15:14): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the minister for water, climate change and a host of other portfolios some questions regarding his trip to the South-East on Saturday.

Leave granted.

The Hon. G.E. Gago: What about shacks?

The Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE: Shacks too. When you go to the South-East on Saturday, will you take note of the fact that many who are concerned may not be there because they will be at sport finals and trials? Secondly, will you be informing the panel that there is a lot of support in the Legislative Council for their recommendations? Will you also be advising the panel that many of us will not be supporting the government ripping them off?

The PRESIDENT: Disregard the opinion, minister.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Climate Change) (15:15): I don't think there's much left then, Mr President. I am very grateful to the honourable member for his very important question, of course; that goes without saying.

The Hon. G.E. Gago: Misguided as it might be.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: Well, indeed, but I am not one to judge.

The Hon. T.J. Stephens: Is this the nice Ian Hunter five minutes, is it?

The PRESIDENT: Cherish the moment, the Hon. Mr Stephens.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: No, that's usually the 55 minutes. I was actually going to read a very long answer into the Hansard, just to punish the honourable member with a very detailed and intelligent answer, but in fact—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: No, and I won't cheapen this hallowed institution of question time, either, by having a cheap shot at the honourable member. I have answered this question, I think, twice already in this place. I will, as I have said previously, give my first response to the community on Saturday, before I educate the Hon. Mr Brokenshire with those pearls of wisdom that I learn about down there and can bring back to this chamber for his benefit.

The PRESIDENT: The honourable and gallant and recently noble Mr McLachlan.

The Hon. K.J. Maher: Sir Andrew.

The Hon. A.L. McLACHLAN: In time, Mr Maher; one step at a time.