Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator McLachlan for this question. He might recall that I made a contribution to the Senate in the last sitting week in some detail on the developments regarding the algal bloom in my home state of South Australia.

In relation to the first date for government, I will see whether I can provide further information to you. I can say to you that I certainly reached out to the South Australian Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate, Environment and Water in early July in relation to this issue. Obviously I—and I'm sure you, Senator, and all South Australians—have been very deeply distressed by the loss of marine life, by the state of our coastline and by the dreadful ecological event that we have seen. I understand that Minister Watt and the Prime Minister have met with a delegation of mayors and local industry members—I believe today; I'll just check.