Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

There are a number of responses to that long contribution from Senator Patrick. We are going to have to agree to differ in our opinions in relation to the advice that's been received by Defence. You clearly have your own point of view in relation to the advice and the efficacy of the advice that we've received from Defence. We obviously take very seriously the advice we receive from our defence forces.

It's also worth noting that this is a process that's been going on for 40 years now, as you would be well aware, Senator Patrick, and we did undertake previous processes to seek site identification on the basis of technical specifications. But at no time were we able to secure community support for any sites solely on that basis. Also, you made the comment that nobody's listening to the Kimba community. Well, I acknowledge in the gallery—and he's been here most of the day—the member for Grey, who lives in the Kimba community and has had very hands-on involvement in the consultation process that's been undertaken in his community in relation to this particular facility. He would probably have been aghast to think that you would come in here and say that the Kimba community hasn't been consulted, that the Kimba community hasn't been listened to, because I think he would absolutely think that that was not the case.

In relation to Woomera, it has not been nominated to date. It has had no technical assessment, and it has had no community consultation. To simply suggest that we go and tack on to a process that is already well underway, in terms of the full process that has been undertaken in relation to the act that governs this particular activity, is something that you've obviously overlooked. Senator Patrick, we're just going to have to agree to disagree in relation to the validity of the advice received by the government from defence.