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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2024-11-14 Daily Xml
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Targeted Lead Abatement Program

The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Stuart) (14:43): My question is to the Minister for Energy. Can the minister update my community on the current situation of the agreement for the Targeted Lead Abatement Program (TLAP) in Port Pirie? With your leave, I can explain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: The agreement was established in 2014 between the state government and Nyrstar for 10 years to assist with dust suppression programs across Port Pirie. As the 10 years has now reached expiry, can I get an update on the continuation?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Energy and Mining) (14:44): In his usual humble way, what he omits in the explanation is that the reason we have a TLAP agreement and the reason we have lead abatement at all in Port Pirie is because of his advocacy in 2014, when he held the balance of power and put his city and community before any political consideration. That is the reason we are here today to talk about lead abatement, and his continued advocacy on behalf of his community.

The TLAP commenced in 2014 to reduce blood levels in children in Port Pirie. It is a noble ambition. For the benefit of those in the house, TLAP is a partnership between Nyrstar and the South Australian government with support of the Port Pirie Regional Council. It has been 10 years since it was instigated, and TLAP arrangements have not ended. The parties have agreed to extend the existing arrangements whilst they work on a broader plan to affect the greatest impact on the Port Pirie community, specifically targeting lowering blood levels in Port Pirie's children.

The TLAP board, of which the government is a party, continue to meet on a regular basis. The work of TLAP is incredibly important and, as the member is aware, is complemented by the government's Lead Action Plan (GLAP). The government will continue the important work of GLAP over the next two years, and has committed to delivering large-scale greening measures and capital improvements at public education sites to minimise children's exposure to lead and dust, which is very, very important.

Our continued support for these programs is certain, and I will endeavour to keep the member informed of any developments as they relate to TLAP or GLAP, but I want to reassure the house we are doing everything we can to minimise lead in blood in our children in Port Pirie. It is something that the Port Pirie community take very, very seriously. It is something that they want us to deal with. It is something that governments have attempted to deal with, and we are dealing with it. There are a lot of legacy issues in Port Pirie that we have to deal with. We are working collaboratively. I want to thank my colleagues in cabinet for the support they have given me in this program. There is no more important measure than this of the health of our children in Port Pirie, to make sure that they get every opportunity in life.

I have to say this, as the member for Stuart would not say it: thank God they have him. Thank God they have him, because he is an advocate for their community, and he won't let issues like TLAP fall off the radar. He continually advocates behind the scenes so that Port Pirie and the Upper Spencer Gulf are not forgotten. He is always arguing internally for more resources. He wants more done. He wants it done faster because the people of Port Pirie do deserve it, and we are working at pace to get these outcomes. I can tell you for certain, if we fall short, the first person who will stand up in this place and call any government out will be the member for Stuart.

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