SASANELLI, MR N.

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite) (14:34): My question is to the Premier. In what location is Mr Sasanelli's office and envoy position based? How many times has he travelled to Europe, and at what cost? Are all his travel expenses included in the $260,000 for his position or is extra funding provided? If so, which minister's budget line provides the funding?

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) (14:34): He is based in the State Administration Centre, as I understand it. I do not know of any public servant in the history of this state or, can I say, any Leader of the Opposition who would pay their own expenses. I know you were a distinguished minister, member for Waite, for those two months. The member for Waite is suggesting that when he is sent overseas to do work for the government he has to pay his own airfares. We do not suggest that to Alfred Huang when he goes to China representing the state, or Brian Hayes QC in India. We do not suggest it to other distinguished people.

We now have an office in Vietnam. Vietnam is going to be very important to us and it is really important now that we start the work to deliver a trade relationship. The person we asked to go there was Hieu Van Le. That made sense; he is the first person of Vietnamese background in any vice-regal position in the country. It made sense to send him rather than Pat from Belfast. It is about horses for courses. It would be, I think, completely inappropriate to ask someone that we are sending to do a job to pay their own airfares. You certainly would not.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The Premier has finished his answer.