House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-10-31 Daily Xml

Contents

WATER LEAD LEVELS

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (15:29): Supplementary question: given that in his answer the minister has highlighted three times that it is non-potable water, why are the people who receive this water told, and I quote, 'Your water must be boiled before being used for human consumption,' yet the boiling will not remove the lead?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:30): That's right and, of course, if you are to use it, we can't be responsible for—we have the same provisos with respect to groundwater contamination here in Adelaide. If you are going to use it, get it tested.

Mr van Holst Pellekaan interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: No, we have not said that at all. What we are saying is that, should you consume this water, you boil it beforehand.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: Yes, but it is a non-potable water supply.

The Hon. P.F. Conlon interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P. CAICA: Yes, he is just not asking any questions at all.

Mr Marshall interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: I beg your pardon.

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr Marshall interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: Well, I think that your ascent to the position and the glorious position you've got is not going to solve the problems for your leader, mate. You can't go into an election on a ticket, trying to knock off your leader and then sit alongside her saying that all is forgiven.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr MARSHALL: Point of order, Madam Speaker. This was a very serious question for some important constituents of South Australia.

The SPEAKER: Thank you. I am not sure what your point of order is, but minister I refer you back to the question. Have you answered the question?

The Hon. P. CAICA: Yes, I think I have, Madam Speaker.

The SPEAKER: Yes, I think you have.