Andrew McLachlan (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Minister Wong. The devastating South Australian algal bloom now covers 4,500 square kilometres across the coastline and the Great Australian Bight. International scientist and Director of the US National Office for Harmful Algal Blooms Dr Donald Anderson has labelled this bloom as one of the worst recorded algal blooms in the world. Eighteen months ago, scientists called for federal government support to monitor the bloom. Five months ago, scientists and local businesses called for support when marine life washed up dead on our beaches. Minister, when did the South Australian government first officially raise the issue of the algal bloom with the federal government?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to 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.

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes.

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

A number of South Australian senators and MPs were in attendance, too. I understand that there was an update from the ministers in relation to the government's response to the bloom. I know that Minister Watt went to South Australia on 21 July and announced some funding. The Prime Minister also visited, on 20 August, to announce further federal support and to inspect the bloom. Obviously this is an event which, as the Deputy Premier has explained publicly, is not unknown in terms of natural causes, but you would have to say, given what many scientists are saying, that the contribution of climate change to this dreadful event is self-evident.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator McLachlan, first supplementary?

Andrew McLachlan (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The South Australian algal bloom is causing great harm. Fisher Paul Germain hasn't caught a fish, and Steve Bowley has not sold an oyster, for more than 100 days. Stansbury publican Rob Rankine's revenue is down. Christies Beach surfer Zoe Brooks has said surfers are getting sick. Minister, noting that a delegation of local government officials, as you've mentioned in your answer, visited the Prime Minister today, when will the Prime Minister provide the level of support that they have requested?

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

Senator, I understand from Senator Watt that he first engaged with Deputy Premier Close in late May or early June, and I'm advised that there has been regular contact since then between the South Australian minister, the federal minister and also the Prime Minister and the Premier. That's in relation to your first question.

In relation to industry support, the $14 million contributed to a package which included industry support. Like you, Senator, I know personally small businesses and coastal communities who have been very economically affected by the state of our coastline and by the scale of marine life loss. We'll continue to engage with the South Australian government about this, and we hope that we can see this resolved in the near future. (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator McLachlan, second supplementary?

Andrew McLachlan (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last week the Prime Minister visited South Australia and committed an additional $6.25 million in immediate support for South Australians in need. Millions have been appropriately provided to support Whyalla, another coastal town, for its challenges. Why isn't the same level of support being afforded to South Australians—in particular, our coastal communities?

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

Senator, as a South Australian, you would know, first, that we have provided assistance, and we'll continue to engage with the South Australian government about what is required. In relation to Whyalla, that is a very important part of the state economy. You would know that successive governments, in relation to that steel facility, have recognised the importance of it to the state and national economy and also the struggles that many in the steel or iron sectors face at this time, given global circumstances. We make no apology for seeking to invest.

Well, I'm surprised that a South Australian senator is complaining about investment in Whyalla. I am very surprised that a South Australian senator—not you, Senator McLachlan, but Senator Ruston—is complaining about investment in South Australia.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On a point of order, I'd ask you to ask the minister not to verbal me incorrectly.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Ruston, that is not a point of order. Don't interject.

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

I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.