WORKERS COMPENSATION

Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (15:13): My question is for the Treasurer. Does the Treasurer stand by his statement to parliament on 7 February 1995 that 'the care, the financial security and the wellbeing of members of the workforce who are injured are our paramount priority'?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY (Port Adelaide—Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Federal/State Relations) (15:13): I stand by what I said in 1995, absolutely, but I am more interested in whether the shadow minister stands by his statements through media outlets for all to see—

The Hon. P.F. Conlon: Just a week ago.

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY: —just a matter of a few weeks—that the Liberal Party will support no cuts to workers benefits? Do you stand by that?

Members interjecting:

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY: Do you stand by that? Do you stand by that?

The SPEAKER: Order! The Deputy Premier will take his seat. The Deputy Premier asking questions of the opposition, whether they be rhetorical or not, and inviting interjections makes it very difficult for me to maintain control of the house. I ask him to refrain from it.

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY: I apologise for that repeated request for the member to clarify his position. The truth of the matter is that there is only one side of politics that is incapable of making a sound decision, and that is members opposite. I look forward to reading, watching or hearing what the Leader of the Opposition and, indeed, the Liberal opposition's position is on this very important matter.