House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
2007-10-18 Daily Xml

Contents

RODEOS

The Hon. G.M. GUNN (Stuart) (14:45): Can the minister representing the Minister for Environment and Conservation—and I know it is a difficult task for the minister—explain to the house why the government is proposing cumbersome requirements on people conducting rodeos such as fees, permits and reports—

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. G.M. GUNN: If the member thinks it is funny, she might like to explain it.

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. G.M. GUNN: The largest rodeo in the world, the Calgary Stampede, is not required to get any licences, permits or other bureaucratic requirements as is proposed by this government. I point out, by way of explanation, that even though the Deputy Premier obviously does not like people running rodeos they are all volunteers doing things for the community.

An honourable member: Yes, they love it.

The Hon. G.M. GUNN: They love it. There are 1.2 million people who attend the Calgary Stampede, and they come from all over the world, and it is run by volunteers. So, why do we have to be the odd people out?

The Hon. J.D. HILL (Kaurna—Minister for Health, Minister for the Southern Suburbs, Minister Assisting the Premier in the Arts) (14:46): I thank the honourable member for his question. I know it is something he is very passionate about and, as the former minister for the environment, I have experienced some of his passion over the years in relation to these issues. I did not actually hear everything he said, but I got the vibe of it all. I understand the issue that he has raised. It is always a balancing act in relation to these kinds of issues between the interests of the animals and, of course, the interests of those who are running the event. I guess the government's role is to try to make sure that the balance is placed appropriately. The Hon. Gail Gago in another place, the minister responsible, has brought down some regulations which created that line in a particular place. I am happy to get a report from her on why she put it in that particular place.