Kangaroo Island Koalas

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (14:55): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs on behalf of the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water on the topic of the Kangaroo Island koalas.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: I am sure most South Australians have been horrified by the horrific images that we have seen this week of koalas in blue gum plantations on Kangaroo Island being injured as a result of timber harvesting operations by the plantation managers. It is something that is not a new issue and it has been raised as a concern. Of course, the department had previously investigated and not been able to substantiate due to lack of evidence.

My question to the minister is: given the minister has encouraged people to report any suspicion of crimes of animal cruelty in this case to Crime Stoppers, is she confident that Crime Stoppers is equipped to address those complaints given previous constituents have come to me saying that when they report animal cruelty to Crime Stoppers they are asked why they have contacted Crime Stoppers?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:56): I thank the honourable member for her question. I know from my areas that I look after that Crime Stoppers is indeed a very valuable organisation in relation to its set-up and ability to receive various reports. I am sure they are capable of it, but in terms of the specific question I am happy to seek some further information and bring back the honourable member a reply.