Legislative Council Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1) 55 1 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Question Time Question Time Algal Bloom Algal Bloom The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI Legislative Council Algal Bloom The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:25): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries on the topic of the harmful algal bloom. What does the minister say in response to the report of the Senate inquiry into algal blooms in South Australia tabled today, which made a finding that, and I quote, 'The committee considers that the slow response by the South Australian government and delayed period before it began serious discussions with the Commonwealth has caused uncertainty and anxiety for South Australian individuals and business owners,' and will she, as Minister for Primary Industries, apologise to the people of South Australia for her government's failure? The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN Legislative Council Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister for Forest Industries Algal Bloom The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:26): I thank the honourable member for her question. One of the things that is not answered by those who put forward questions such as this is what they think should have happened sooner. The algal bloom was detected in roughly March this year. In April, we were already having roundtable discussions. The science was already underway for further information because this was an unprecedented algal bloom. Members interjecting: The President Legislative Council The PRESIDENT: Order, both sides! Minister, continue. Members interjecting: The President Legislative Council The PRESIDENT: Order! The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN Legislative Council Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister for Forest Industries The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: The member opposite says she doesn't want to hear the answer, so I won't bother continuing. Members interjecting: The President Legislative Council The PRESIDENT: Order!