Personal Explanation

ADELAIDE DRY ZONE

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers, Minister Assisting the Premier in Social Inclusion) (11:02): I seek leave to make a personal explanation.

Leave granted.

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: In question time on Wednesday 9 March 2011 the member for Bragg asked me a question, as Minister Assisting the Premier in Social Inclusion, about Adelaide city's dry zones. In her question, the member for Bragg asked me if I agreed with the Commissioner for Social Inclusion's position in relation to this matter. I misheard the member's question and thought she was referring to the other commissioner, the Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement, not social inclusion.

At the conclusion of question time it occurred to me that I misheard the question and checked with the member for Bragg, who did confirm that it was Monsignor Cappo and not Commissioner Klynton Wanganeen to whom she was referring. Although I made arrangements with the Government Whip to give a personal explanation that same afternoon, the house rose just as I was about to do so. Nor was I able to do it the following day, as I was paired to attend the funeral of Ngarrindjeri elder Mr George Trevorrow.

In relation to the Commissioner for Social Inclusion, Monsignor David Cappo, I am aware that he made public comments regarding the Adelaide dry zone, as he is perfectly entitled to do. I believe that the commissioner raises a number of important points—

Mr WILLIAMS: Point of order, Madam Speaker. I think the minister has made her personal explanation. She now is saying what she believes. She is entering into debate, and I think it is out of order.

The SPEAKER: I will just listen very carefully. Have you finished, minister?

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: I am just clarifying the answer to the question that the member for Bragg sought, but I am happy to leave it as it is.

The SPEAKER: If you want to continue to clarify—

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: I will just finish the sentence. I believe that the commissioner raised a number of important points, and I acknowledge the impact of dry zones on Aboriginal people.

The SPEAKER: I thank the minister also for notifying me promptly of that issue after it occurred.

The Hon. P.F. Conlon interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, Minister for Transport!

Mr Williams interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, the member for MacKillop!