Eyre Peninsula Desalination Project

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:35): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Did the minister know that Billy Lights Point had been chosen as the selected site for the Eyre Peninsula desalination plant when she gave her answer to this chamber on Tuesday 7 March, stating:

I am advised that the SA Water board and the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water will consider the available information, which includes that from the site selection committee and also from the Marine Science Review Panel, to make a final decision regarding a proposed plant location.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:36): I thank the honourable member for her question. This decision, which the honourable member would understand, I am sure, falls within the portfolio remit of my colleague the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, was announced publicly after being worked through the appropriate processes within government. Of course, deliberations that occur within cabinet and relevant committees are subject to cabinet-in-confidence. I have answered questions on 7 and 9 March regarding this issue.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. H.M. Girolamo interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order, the Hon. Ms Girolamo!

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: Point of order: we are supposed to be here setting an example to the next generation, and we have members on the opposite side catcalling across the chamber, disrespecting the minister on her feet—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: —disrespecting the minister on her feet—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! The Hon. Ms Girolamo!

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: —disrespecting the minister while she is on her feet trying to answer the question she has been delivered. I ask you to call them to order, sir.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! The Hon. Ms Girolamo, enough! Minister, please conclude your answer, and I want to hear it in silence.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: Thank you, Mr President. I'm glad that you, at least, are interested in hearing the answer to the question that those opposite have posed and then failed to listen to. As I said, I've answered questions on 7 and 9 March regarding this issue, and I can confirm that the advice I had at that time and the information I then provided was indeed accurate.