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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2013-03-21 Daily Xml
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STATE RAIL NETWORK

Mr PENGILLY (Finniss) (14:28): Can the minister categorically undertake that no money of the project was spent prior to the project coming to the Public Works Committee yesterday?

The SPEAKER: That is, indeed, a supplementary. Minister for Transport.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Housing and Urban Development) (14:28): I would have thought that the member for Waite and the member for Finniss would have learnt from the past when they take advice from Kevin Naughton. I understand that the member for Waite has put out a press release claiming that the government has initiated works prior to public works approval, and he has claimed in a press release:

Auditor General's Inquiry Sought to Wayville Station Works

Mind you, this was before he even claimed Public Works has dealt with it, so he is pre-empting his own committee. He says this:

The committee heard in a public hearing this week that certain works may have been carried out before that approval was given. The facts need to be established.

He doesn't make the accusation, he just does it in a roundabout way because he has learnt from his mistakes somehow, I think, but not quite. He is still taking advice from Kevin Naughton.

Mr Hamilton-Smith interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The Minister for Transport will be seated. The member for Waite is called to order and, if I hear that conduct again, I will name him. The Minister for Transport.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: The member for Waite has claimed that the government has proceeded with works. It is very important to note that the facilities at the Wayville precinct will make a very important entrance to the showgrounds. The contractor has not been appointed and has not commenced works on the site, I am advised. That approval was obtained on 20 February 2013, and construction of the Wayville station is a very complex site with significant interface with the rail revitalisation program that is going on right now.

I am advised that the works undertaken to date have been focused on track work, including repair and poor ground conditions, drainage and earthworks to do with the rail revitalisation program. These works are all being undertaken by the rail track works contractor, so I am not sure on what basis he put this out. Perhaps he can explain that to the Auditor-General.

Mr PISONI: Point of order: it is against standing orders to display props in the parliament.

The SPEAKER: There is a morsel of justice in the member for Unley's point of order. I presume the minister will make no further displays. Is the minister finished?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Yes, sir.

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