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

Contents

POINT LOWLY DESALINATION PLANT

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (15:08): My question is to the Minister for Mineral Resources Development. Will the minister guarantee that, as part of the government's negotiations with BHP Billiton, the EPA will have the authority to shut down the operation of the proposed Point Lowly desalination plant if the salinity or other environmental indicators in the Upper Spencer Gulf rise above acceptable levels?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! We can sit here all afternoon. Be quiet.

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY (Port Adelaide—Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Police, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Motor Sport, Minister Assisting the Premier with the Olympic Dam Expansion Project) (15:09): I am intimidated, Madam Speaker, by my opponents opposite.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

An honourable member: It might be the last question you ever get.

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY: No, I'll have a Dorothy Dixer, I'm sure, before I leave. Madam Speaker, as the minister responsible for the Olympic Dam negotiations, I take on board the question that the member has asked. It is a matter that is currently subject to negotiations with BHP and, when we are in a position to conclude those negotiations, we will advise you of the outcome.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The Minister for Health.