Question Time

Algal Bloom

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (14:39): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question without notice to the Minister for Primary Industries on the topic of the algal bloom.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: Yesterday, the Adelaide Advertiser reported that Associate Professor Jochen Kaempf, an oceanographer at Flinders University who has conducted extensive research into South Australia's toxic algal bloom—I hope the minister won't tell me off for using that phrase—was recently informed that his employment will be terminated as part of a Flinders University restructure. My question to the Minister for Primary Industries, therefore, is:

1. Is the minister concerned that South Australia will soon lose the expertise of this oceanographer who predicted that the bloom would remain in our waters and whose work this government's summer plan is based on?

2. If she is concerned, what action is she taking?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:40): I thank the honourable member for his question. Matters of employment are between Flinders University and their employees. I am confident that there will be other opportunities that the employee can apply for.