Steel Task Force

The Hon. B.R. HOOD (14:28): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking questions of the Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council regarding the Steel Task Force.

Leave granted.

The Hon. B.R. HOOD: The Department for Energy and Mining website states that the Steel Task Force was established to support Whyalla's mining, smelting and manufacturing operations following the steelworks entering administration back in 2015. This was done in order to make the Whyalla Steelworks to be the basis of a globally competitive and sustainable steel industry. My questions to the Leader of the Government are:

1. How often has cabinet been briefed by the Steel Task Force?

2. When was the last briefing?

3. Will you be receiving briefings going forward?

4. What reports or minutes will be provided publicly of the Steel Task Force?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:28): I thank the honourable member for his question. I will temper my answer by virtue of the fact that the honourable member hasn't been here for very long, certainly hasn't been ever involved in a cabinet process before and probably doesn't understand how cabinet operates.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: But one thing I won't be doing and one thing I don't think the sole member of the opposition who has been a member of cabinet, if the honourable member consulted with her before asking questions, would probably advise him is that the operations of cabinet are not spoken about. I would encourage the honourable member to speak to his—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: —more experienced teammates who might be able to maybe guide his enthusiasm, and properly channel it in a way that might be useful.