PRINTER CARTRIDGE SCAM

The Hon. I.F. EVANS (Davenport) (15:12): My question is to the Treasurer. Did the Treasurer pick up the hint from the former treasurer that there is more fat to cut in the arts budget? Madam Speaker, my actual question is: as the printer cartridge scam has already been confirmed in four different agencies, will the Treasurer now request the Auditor-General to undertake a section 32 inquiry under the Public Finance and Audit Act into the printer cartridge scam? If not, why not?

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Treasurer, Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Minister for Workers Rehabilitation) (15:12): Because, as I understand it, the Auditor-General is looking at it at the moment; and I will take advice on whether that is necessary. I am pretty certain that the Auditor-General can have a look at the issue of his own volition without my having to issue any direction for him to do so. Can I say with regard to the hints from the member for Port Adelaide that I am determined to pick up where he has left off with regard to the arts budget.