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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-09-15 Daily Xml
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Question Time

APY LANDS, FOOD SECURITY

Mrs REDMOND (Heysen—Leader of the Opposition) (14:08): My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation. What response does the minister have to criticism of her APY Lands Food Security Strategic Plan, made by the Indigenous-controlled Mai Wiru Regional Stores Aboriginal Corporation? The criticism included, and I quote:

None of the Minister's plans will assist in reducing the cost of food...the APY Lands Food Security Strategic Plan...is a soft, feel good, high publicity response to a major social issue...and completely lacking in any real substance.

Finally:

The proposal to grow a food supply in the desert via raised garden beds to supply fresh food and vegetables...is a complete waste of time and resources.

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers, Minister Assisting the Premier in Social Inclusion) (14:09): Mai Wiru is perfectly entitled to their view.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: I disagree with their view and, in response to that, I again remind the house—and I am thrilled that we have members of the APY executive here who support the work that we are doing in communities—that the community gardens are but one aspect of a comprehensive food security plan.

Mr Marshall: Mai Wiru didn't call it comprehensive. They said it was embarrassing.

The SPEAKER: Order, member for Norwood! We don't need your commentary.

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: Mai Wiru is entitled to their view—

Mr Marshall interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! You have asked the question; allow the minister to answer it.

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: Madam Speaker, Mai Wiru—and I respect the role that they have to play on the lands—is entitled to their view; that's fine. We disagree from time to time on matters. Does that mean that I am going to stop working with them? No, because—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: —this issue is bigger than all of us in this place.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Light.

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