Andrew Southcott (Boothby, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

() (): Back in July I updated the House about the industrial TCE contamination issue in the suburbs of Clovelly Park and Mitchell Park in my electorate. I also suggested that the state government hand over this problem to a coordinator who could focus on outcomes for residents instead of just the media management and spin that the EPA and responsible ministers had been doing. It is good to see that sensible ideas are recognised, because two weeks ago a task force was appointed and I finally received the briefing on the situation that I asked the ministers' offices for over a month ago. Frankly, this group should have been established two months ago. Because of the poor response to date, residents are very suspicious of the EPA, Housing SA and, by association, anyone from the SA government. Over the last few weeks, no fewer than 57 households in those suburbs have contacted me to request that I ask the state government questions on their behalf that they could not get answered. They were all very simple things, such as: what are the exact health implications of this exposure; where will I be moved; what are the exact results of tests in my area? During our meeting, the senior members of the task force said all the right things, but residents expect clear answers to their questions and a focus on their problems. The first hint that they are being media managed again will result in a very strong backlash from the community. I will continue to seek answers for the dozens of residents who have written to me asking for my help with this situation. Hopefully, this new task force can focus— (Time expired)