Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2013-05-15 Daily Xml

Contents

GREAT AUSTRALIAN BIGHT MARINE PARK WHALE SANCTUARY

The Hon. M. PARNELL (14:26): I have a supplementary question. Does the minister have any concerns for the viability of the whale watching industry on the West Coast as a result of today's announcement that BP is now formally proceeding with its offshore oil exploration activities in the Great Australian Bight in the whale habitat area?

The PRESIDENT: It's a long bow but, minister.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:26): We are in the same geographic area, I suppose.

The PRESIDENT: Yes.

An honourable member: There's whales in the bight.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: Yes, but the original question was about air and fees. It had nothing much to do with BP.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Minister, it is happy hour, so let's go for it.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: It is a long bow. Of course, the state government is concerned for the benefits for marine mammals wherever they are in South Australian waters and we will do our utmost to ensure that they are protected.