Nuclear Waste

In reply to the Hon. M.C. PARNELL (10 March 2016).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Employment, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Science and Information Economy): The Premier has received the following advice:

No Minister or agency has breached section 13.

It is the South Australian government's position that, until there is an identifiable proposal for the construction of a nuclear waste storage facility in South Australia, section 13 cannot be engaged.

The repeal of section 13 is not intended to protect any particular minister or agency. Its repeal is necessary because section 13 has the potential to prevent the government from consulting on the merits of a nuclear waste storage facility once the Royal Commission hands down its final report to the government on 6 May 2016.

No action will be taken by any minister in breach of section 13. Advice will be sought as to what action is open to the government in the event the bill does not pass. This advice will guide the government's future action.

The Solicitor-General's advice will not be released as the advice is subject to legal professional privilege. The government's offer to brief members on the bill stands.