Question Time

WATER BILLING

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Leader of the Opposition) (14:26): My question is to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. Did the minister ring the Treasurer on Friday last week to advise him of developments relating to water billing or did the Treasurer ring him, and what time did the conversation occur?

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY (Port Adelaide—Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Federal/State Relations) (14:27): Sir—

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH: Sir, I rise on a point of order. The question was directed to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. Only he can answer it.

The SPEAKER: Order! As I have previously ruled, with respect to any question to any minister, it is up to the government of the day to decide which minister is best in place to answer a question. If the Treasurer wishes to take the question, that is entirely a matter for the government. That has always been my ruling and the ruling of speakers before me. The Treasurer.

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY: It was a two-way conversation. The leader wants to know whether I rang him or he rang me.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY: The minister rang me. I cannot recall whether I took a message and called him back, but my recollection is that the first contact was initiated by the minister and I either took the call or rang him back.

The Hon. R.G. Kerin interjecting:

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY: I did not say a definitive answer.

An honourable member: What time?

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY: Late in the afternoon. What is the big deal about it? I have said publicly that there is no huge conspiracy issue. Keep asking me questions and I will refer you to my ministerial statement that you did not want me to read out. It is as simple as that.