Question Time

Nuclear Waste

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:23): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government questions regarding the government's nuclear dump consultation process.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: On 7 July this year, the Treasurer issued a media release committing $4.6 million to fund the consultation process on the Premier's high-level international nuclear waste dump. In this week's government response to the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission, the anticipated cost is now $8.2 million for 2016-17. My questions for the minister are:

1. How much taxpayer funding does the government intend wasting in its pursuit of this issue?

2. How long will the consultation process go on for, given that it clearly does not have the support of either the parliament or of the South Australian community?

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) (14:24): I thank the honourable member for her questions. In relation to exact figures, I can refer them to the Treasurer in the other place and bring back a reply. In relation to the process, I am not sure it could be much clearer: the prerequisite for this going further is bipartisan support. There isn't bipartisan support. If there ever was, the Premier has outlined that there would be a referendum and that Aboriginal communities would have a right of veto. I don't know why the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in this chamber finds it so difficult to understand something so simple.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!