ATKINSON/ASHBOURNE/CLARKE AFFAIR

Mrs REDMOND (Heysen) (14:19): Does the Premier apply the same professional standards in his office and across his ministry that he expects of the professions that he vilifies? The Premier has said publicly that teachers are playing politics with the lives of children; he has described the state's legal fraternity as enemies of the state; he has accused doctors of blackmail; a Salvation Army officer of lying; and he has accused the media of being biased. Yesterday, in another place, three former members of the Select Committee on the Atkinson/Ashbourne/Clarke Affair concluded that the conduct of the Premier in that matter was, 'improper in that he placed his personal and political interests ahead of the requirement for openness and accountability'.

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) (14:20): I stand by my comments. Of course, the honourable member verballed me. What I said was—and what I have said repeatedly is—that the teachers union is not going to run education in this state. Teaching is an honourable profession. That is what I said yesterday; read what I said yesterday. Members should read my lips: teachers are honourable and the union is playing games.

The Hon. P.F. Conlon: He remembers what he says.

The Hon. M.D. RANN: Unlike the Leader of the Opposition, I remember what I said yesterday, just as I remember what I told the Auditor-General when I asked him to inquire into those matters; just as I remember what I said in court and at the end of the trial when Mr Ashbourne was acquitted—found not guilty—which is what members opposite did not like. While I was giving evidence, I seem to remember a lawyer asking for the court to be cleared because he could not handle the truth.