Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2008-11-11 Daily Xml

Contents

WATER METERS

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (15:22): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Mineral Resources Development, representing the Minister for Water Security, questions regarding water meter readings.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: I have been contacted by a constituent concerned that his water meter is being read incorrectly. The constituent was advised that the reading of water meters has been outsourced to a company called AMRS (Australia) Pty Ltd. Some meters are being read incorrectly, and ratepayers are being required to foot the bill as a result. My constituent expressed concern that a ratepayer would not necessarily know whether or not their meter had been read correctly. My questions are:

1. Can the minister confirm that the reading of SA Water meters has been outsourced to AMRS Pty Ltd of 20 Chief Street, Brompton?

2. How much does this outsourcing cost SA Water each year?

3. How many letters have been sent to ratepayers by SA Water in the past 12 months advising them of incorrect readings, and what has been done to make adjustments as a result?

4. What protection is there for ratepayers who would not necessarily know whether or not their water meter had been read correctly?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (15:23): I will refer that question to the Minister for Water Security and bring back a reply.