Question Time

Algal Bloom

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:35): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question to the Deputy Premier regarding the harmful algal bloom.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: This chamber set a clear direction on 16 October that harmful algal bloom documents must be tabled within seven sitting days. That deadline was today. The Deputy Premier has advised the chamber that he will table the material on Thursday, the final day of a sitting year, which is two days beyond the deadline set by this council. My question to the Deputy Premier is: why is the government waiting until the last possible sitting day to table documents this chamber required to be produced today?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Deputy Premier, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:36): I will refer the honourable member to my statement. As I said, work is still underway and I anticipate to have documents to be tabled on Thursday.