House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-07-11 Daily Xml

Contents

NYRSTAR

Mr MARSHALL (Norwood) (14:53): My question is to the Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade. Can the minister tell the house whether he will be referring the funding arrangements for Nyrstar to the parliament's Industries Development Committee? The bipartisan Industries Development Committee was established by this parliament to look at funding packages to support industry. On 18 January this year, while discussing the Holden package on radio, the minister agreed that, and I quote, 'It was a very good idea to send this proposal through the IDC.' Seven months later, can the minister confirm that he will be reconvening the IDC to look at any major funding arrangement for Nyrstar?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (14:54): Madam Speaker, there's a Greek word that comes to mind.

The SPEAKER: We probably don't need to hear it.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: No, you probably don't need to hear it. There is no funding proposal for Nyrstar, so I think the member for Norwood's question is hypothetical. Quite frankly, he's just trying to create mischief the same way he was yesterday when he was attempting to scare everyone in Port Pirie that the world would come to an end. Quite frankly, I think he should heed the call of the Mayor of Port Pirie—

Mr PISONI: Point of order: the minister is clearly debating.

The SPEAKER: Not necessarily. Minister, back to the question.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I am conscious of the calls from the community of Port Pirie that there be no more political point scoring on this issue.

Mr Marshall: So call the IDC then.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: The Liberal candidate for Dunstan interjects.

Mr PISONI: Point of order: members are to be addressed by their electorates.

The SPEAKER: Yes. I did not hear that, but the minister knows that. He has been here long enough; 15 years on 11 October.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I know he is very sensitive; it's that glass jaw.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: There is no proposal to give Nystar any public money so, therefore, there is no need to convene the IDC.