Whyalla Steelworks

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (14:46): Thank you, Mr President. Should a private owner be found for the Whyalla Steelworks, which we all hope is the case, will the government consider giving the taxpayer a public equity stake commensurate with the public investment to ensure that taxpayers have more oversight over what happens in Whyalla?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:46): I thank the recently described 'very handsome' honourable member for his question. As I say, I think it would be foolish to start trying to forecast what sort of structure or shape it might take after administration. As I say, I think we would all hope that whatever shape it takes gives it the best possible chance of providing for the people of Whyalla, South Australia and Australia for decades into the future.