Mr ADAMSON - 1996-11-28
As honourable members would be aware, over the last 24 hours, there has been a change of leadership in the South Australian government. This government has had a very close working relationship with the previous administration in relation to railway matters. Has that relationship changed in any way as a result of the change of leadership?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, the member for Casuarina's question is indeed timely because the South Australian Railway Executive Group is meeting on the fourth floor of this building. Its members were uncertain whether to claim refugee status in the Northern Territory today or whether they had a legitimate role in representing the government of South Australia. Premier Olsen, who was sworn in a few minutes ago, has told them simply to `get on with it'. He has total commitment to the project and he wants to see it realised. That is very good indeed. In fact, Premier Olsen has had briefings on the railway and is well aware of where we are, having been the minister responsible for infrastructure in South Australia. His attitude to the railway is very encouraging indeed, and we welcome that.
I take the opportunity to inform honourable members that Senator Hill will today sign off on a letter on the environmental management plan for the railway which is based on the 1984 Dames & Moore EIS work. His only proviso is that it should go on public display for 28 days.
Page 1850
That is indeed another milestone for the railway. The plan will be on public display in the very near future. We wish the delegation representing the government of South Australia well in its deliberations on the railway in this building today. It will be able to progress quite satisfactorily with the full support of the new Premier of South Australia.
Page 1851
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, the member for Casuarina's question is indeed timely because the South Australian Railway Executive Group is meeting on the fourth floor of this building. Its members were uncertain whether to claim refugee status in the Northern Territory today or whether they had a legitimate role in representing the government of South Australia. Premier Olsen, who was sworn in a few minutes ago, has told them simply to `get on with it'. He has total commitment to the project and he wants to see it realised. That is very good indeed. In fact, Premier Olsen has had briefings on the railway and is well aware of where we are, having been the minister responsible for infrastructure in South Australia. His attitude to the railway is very encouraging indeed, and we welcome that.
I take the opportunity to inform honourable members that Senator Hill will today sign off on a letter on the environmental management plan for the railway which is based on the 1984 Dames & Moore EIS work. His only proviso is that it should go on public display for 28 days.
Page 1850
That is indeed another milestone for the railway. The plan will be on public display in the very near future. We wish the delegation representing the government of South Australia well in its deliberations on the railway in this building today. It will be able to progress quite satisfactorily with the full support of the new Premier of South Australia.
Page 1851
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016