Brendan Nelson (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister consider accompanying me to the Coorong and the Murray lower lakes to personally examine the economic, environmental and social tragedy that is unfolding in that part of Australia?

Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In response to the honourable member’s question, I already had long discussions with the Premier of South Australia here in Canberra last week. We are currently discussing when both of us will visit not only those lakes but other challenged areas along the Murray, as it affects South Australia. Furthermore, once the parliament rises, I will be making an early visit to Western Australia to speak with the Premier of Western Australia about the challenges concerning WA gas. Unless I am wrong, I do not seem to remember a single question being asked in this place from those opposite about one of the greatest crises facing the WA economy in recent years—that is, what has happened to the WA gas industry.

Brendan Nelson (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, on indulgence, I remind the Prime Minister that we support what his government is doing in relation to the crisis in Western Australia.