House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-12-01 Daily Xml

Contents

ST CLAIR LAND SWAP

Mrs REDMOND (Heysen—Leader of the Opposition) (15:03): My question is to the Minister for Environment and Conservation. Is it the case that the government, in particular minister Gago in the other place, has now agreed to review the proposed St Clair land swap; and, if so, will there be a final determination of the decision prior to the election next March or is this just another way to delay a problem until after the election?

The SPEAKER: Order! That is debate.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The Minister for Transport.

The Hon. P.F. CONLON (Elder—Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Energy) (15:04): My understanding of what has occurred is that as a result—

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: I have to say that getting lectured on common sense by people who want to create the world's most massive hole under the Parklands—

The Hon. K.O. Foley: BHP is excited about it!

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: They might find uranium if they go far enough, who knows?

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: If you rude people would stop interrupting—it is very hurtful.

Mr Pengilly interjecting:

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: If I can draw my breath. As I understand it, the minister in another place has indicated that there have been residents' groups seeking judicial review. On the basis of that and on the basis of advice, she has been prepared to accept a review of that decision. As I understand it, that matter will be referred to another minister and the minister will take the appropriate time to do it. If your allegation is that it is going to take until after March, I would say that that is unlikely, but I cannot, of course, in the interests of this being done as properly as everyone deserves, attempt to pre-empt the decision.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: While I am not prepared to pre-empt it, I would be prepared to have a private wager that you are wrong.