Mr WOOD - 2005-12-01
In the last sittings, I asked whether the conditions of a contract with the South Australian Department of Environment and Heritage had been fulfilled in relation to an albino python. I asked if any money had been paid or progeny returned to the Northern Territory, and if the conditions of the contract were fulfilled before the contract was renewed.
In your response I was given a lesson on genetics, told that pythons made good pets, our research had brought invaluable information, but there was a legal contract and a Mr Stone, who has Blondie, had made very little monetary gain. None of which answered the question that I asked.
This web site for Southern Cross Reptiles says Blondie’s offspring have been sold. Is it true that this company that is selling these pythons belongs to Dr Stone and the offspring sold for around $5000? Is it true that a pet shop in Leanyer bought two albino pythons from this company?
Could you please give me a straight answer on how many progeny have been returned, or monies paid to the Northern Territory? Or do I smell a rat like a good python would and presume there is a cover-up going on?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thought I did answer the member for Nelson the last time he raised this question. I have talked to the department about this and I know that this issue constantly gets raised by you and your constituents. There are unsubstantiated allegations which have come forward. If they are there, please provide that information and we will get the department to check them out.
There is a contract, about which I spoke when you asked me the last time. The contract will run its course. That contract is binding up until 2007. I have sought advice from the Department of Justice regarding that contract. As I understand it, 50% of the progeny of this snake actually became the ownership of Dr Stone. That was part of the contract and that contract was extended to 2007. Therefore, 50% belong to Dr Stone, and the other 50% will come back to the Northern Territory once that contract runs its course.
Mr Wood: He is already selling them.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Member for Nelson, there have been allegations that maybe that 50% was part of the Northern Territory’s or could have been Dr Stone’s. As I said to you before, if you have substantiated allegations, bring that evidence to me and we will investigate. At the moment, it is unsubstantiated.
In your response I was given a lesson on genetics, told that pythons made good pets, our research had brought invaluable information, but there was a legal contract and a Mr Stone, who has Blondie, had made very little monetary gain. None of which answered the question that I asked.
This web site for Southern Cross Reptiles says Blondie’s offspring have been sold. Is it true that this company that is selling these pythons belongs to Dr Stone and the offspring sold for around $5000? Is it true that a pet shop in Leanyer bought two albino pythons from this company?
Could you please give me a straight answer on how many progeny have been returned, or monies paid to the Northern Territory? Or do I smell a rat like a good python would and presume there is a cover-up going on?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thought I did answer the member for Nelson the last time he raised this question. I have talked to the department about this and I know that this issue constantly gets raised by you and your constituents. There are unsubstantiated allegations which have come forward. If they are there, please provide that information and we will get the department to check them out.
There is a contract, about which I spoke when you asked me the last time. The contract will run its course. That contract is binding up until 2007. I have sought advice from the Department of Justice regarding that contract. As I understand it, 50% of the progeny of this snake actually became the ownership of Dr Stone. That was part of the contract and that contract was extended to 2007. Therefore, 50% belong to Dr Stone, and the other 50% will come back to the Northern Territory once that contract runs its course.
Mr Wood: He is already selling them.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Member for Nelson, there have been allegations that maybe that 50% was part of the Northern Territory’s or could have been Dr Stone’s. As I said to you before, if you have substantiated allegations, bring that evidence to me and we will investigate. At the moment, it is unsubstantiated.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016