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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-05-15 Daily Xml
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OPAL FUEL

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (15:03): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, representing the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, questions about the implementation of Opal fuel at Yalata on the west coast of South Australia.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: Two years ago I asked the then minister for Aboriginal affairs about installation of an Opal fuel outlet in the Yalata community to reduce the incidence of petrol sniffing. The minister stated in her answer that the commonwealth department of health had provided the funds for its implementation, yet some delays had been experienced. This was back in February 2011. The minister went on to state that departmental officials were engaged in discussions to resolve these issues.

Recently I travelled to Ceduna with the Aboriginal Lands Parliamentary Standing Committee. There I was informed that the Opal fuel outlet had still not been installed and the local community had not been informed of the reasons for the delay. It was rumoured that there was the prospect of delivery in December this year. My questions to the minister are:

1. What is the reason for the protracted delay in the Opal fuel implementation at Yalata?

2. Why has it taken two years to resolve these issues?

3. Does AARD or any other department still hold the commonwealth funds? If so, how much interest has the government made on these funds?

4. When does the minister expect the Yalata community to have a fully operational Opal fuel outlet?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (15:04): I thank the honourable member for his most important question about Opal fuels. I undertake to take those questions to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation in another place and seek a response on his behalf.

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