SOLAR CITIES CONGRESS

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Leader of the Opposition) (14:47): Can the Premier advise the cost of the appearance in Adelaide of Robert F. Kennedy Jr for the Solar Cities Congress, including air fares, accommodation and speaking fee? The opposition has been advised that the Department of the Premier and Cabinet paid at least $140,000 to Mr Kennedy's agency.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. M.D. RANN (Ramsay—Premier, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change) (14:48): At one stage we were expecting about 400 people. We had an absolute record sell-out of people attending this conference, which drew attention from all around the world, and Robert Kennedy was, in fact, the great star turn—and the Leader of the Opposition was there. I understand that he wanted to be part of the official welcoming party.

I remember going to many functions when I was leader of the opposition, when people would not mention that the leader of the opposition was present, but I have broad shoulders. I was never on table one; often I was on table 23, near the dunny, which was always helpful, I thought. However, I have made a point of welcoming the Leader of the Opposition and acknowledging his presence. In fact, even on the day of the national apology when I made my ministerial statement, without precedent, I invited the Leader of the Opposition to make a statement.

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. M.D. RANN: I was made to; I didn't have to at all, actually. I actually got my staff to ring up, and then he complained that he did not have long enough! He wanted to make sure that he had exactly 20 minutes. He needed more time to prepare, and that is because we have a Leader of the Opposition whose politics are essentially phoney because, if you do not recognise it, it is all about him. It is not about the people of this state or about his shadow ministry or his backbench: it is all about him. I am sure that you had an opportunity to meet with Robert Kennedy Jr. If you feel disappointed, I will ask him to sign something for you.