GlobeLink

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (14:24): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment regarding GlobeLink.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: Last night on Radio Adelaide, Evan Knapp, CEO of the Freight Council, was asked about GlobeLink and responded that, I quote:

GlobeLink would have added about an hour or more to transit times through to the Port and that has major costs, major freight efficiency, negative externalities and frankly just wouldn’t have worked for South Australia...would have hurt Adelaide Airport and our chance to get new flights to new destinations as well.

Adelaide Airport is one of the fastest growing major international airports over the last decade. My questions to the minister are: does the minister agree with the assessment of the chief executive of the Freight Council that GlobeLink will hurt Adelaide Airport and international flights, and have any of his agencies provided any advice about the potential impact of GlobeLink to Adelaide Airport's freight operations?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (14:25): I thank the honourable member for her question and her ongoing interest in GlobeLink. It is heartening that she is continually asking questions about it. Of course, GlobeLink is a project—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: It is interesting that members opposite are so excited by all of this or are getting excited, looking forward to the break. They just can't help but interject. GlobeLink is a project and the study that we are doing is being conducted by my good friend and trusted colleague the Hon. Stephan Knoll, the Minister for Transport. The actual details around GlobeLink I am not able to provide any information on.

Mr Evan Knapp is entitled to his view. He had a strong view opposing GlobeLink when the policy was announced and he is entitled to that view. I have not seen the comments that he has made—I don't listen to Radio Adelaide—but he is certainly entitled to that view. On Adelaide Airport, I will take that part of the question on notice. I will make sure I bring back a response if any of my agencies have been asked to provide advice. I am not aware of any, but I will ask that question.