Rex Airlines

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (14:33): I have another supplementary question arising from the answer: what I am looking for is representations from as many sources as possible to retain these very important services to Mount Gambier and to make sure that we don't lose services to Mount Gambier as the—

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway: What's the question?

The PRESIDENT: There is not an explanation, just ask him the question.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: Sorry; forgetting that the minister did appear to ask me a question and I forgot that I don't need to respond.

The PRESIDENT: No, no, I appreciate that. You can have dialogue outside the chamber.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: So what measures is the minister now taking to retain Rex flight services to Mount Gambier or will he continue to only handball it to his colleague in the other place?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (14:33): Well, I hardly see that as a question, Mr President, but I will give it an answer. The actions I am taking are working closely with my colleague the Minister for Regional Development to ensure that Rex Airlines maintains its services, like for all of the services they provide to South Australia and all of our regional services, and I reiterate how important they are for regional South Australia. Of course, 40 per cent of South Australia's population live outside the metropolitan area and we have had 16 years of a government turning its back on the regions. Finally we have one that is looking out to the regions to help the regions. We will be doing whatever is possible to ensure the services are maintained in all of our regional cities, including Mount Gambier.