House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-11-13 Daily Xml

Contents

HANDSHIN, MS M.

Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg) (15:04): My question is to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation. Can the minister advise the house whether Mia Handshin's appointment as a member of the Environment Protection Authority board was pursuant to paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) or (g) of section 14B(5) of the Environment Protection Act 1993?

Section 14B of the Environment Protection Act requires that the board consist of persons who have particular attributes, qualifications, experience or knowledge in particular areas, namely: (a) environmental protection and management; (b) industry, commerce and economic development; (c) environmental conservation and advocacy; (d) waste management; (e) legal qualifications and experience in environmental law; (f) management, particularly public sector management; or (g) local government.

My question seeks to find out under which of these qualifications the former Labor candidate was appointed to the board.

Mr Pengilly: The eighth Labor stooge!

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:05): I wonder from the member for Finniss's perspective whether that is just his reflection on a woman more than anything else, but I certainly thank—

Mr Pengilly: What a pathetic attempt!

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P. CAICA: Well, you've got a track record; you've got history. Madam Speaker, I certainly thank the honourable member for the question because it is nice actually to get a question.

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: That's it. I'll say this: the outstanding appointment was made to put Mia Handshin in as the chair of the EPA in accordance with the provisions of the act.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Torrens.

Mrs Redmond: No qualifications in law.

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mrs Redmond interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition, order!