GlobeLink

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (15:00): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment a question.

Leave granted.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: In question time yesterday the minister, in relation to a question about the GlobeLink project, said:

…nobody from Adelaide airport came out and criticised GlobeLink, and, interestingly, nor did Monarto Zoo, which is right next to where the airport is likely to be built. The Monarto Zoo did not make any comment.

In an article in The Murray Valley Standard on 30 January 2017, Zoos SA (which runs the Monarto Zoo) Chief Executive, Elaine Bensted, said:

We're all for the development of the area, but… we breed critically endangered animals and want to offer an experience to our visitors.

She went on to say:

Aircraft flying overhead doesn't really add to the ambience of what we're trying to create.

I seek leave to table a copy of the article that refers to the GlobeLink project.

Leave granted.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: This was a very definitive statement: firstly, that the Monarto Zoo was not against it being built but, more importantly, that 'Monarto Zoo did not make any comment.' My question is: will the minister now withdraw and apologise for misleading the house immediately or would he prefer us to set up a privileges committee under standing order 202 to investigate this matter? I leave it in his hands.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (15:01): I will have a look at a copy of the article. I wasn't aware of the article but I will have a look at it.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: I will have a look at the tabled document and if I feel as though I need to take any further action I will do so in the future.