PRISON CONDITIONS

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite) (14:59): Supplementary, Madam Speaker. When did the minister first know of these two prisoners and what action did she take when she first found out about their circumstances?

The SPEAKER: Thank you. That is a repeat of the last question.

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (14:59): I first knew—

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: I've told you that; I told you it was 12 June.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: Point of order, Madam Speaker.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! There is a point of order.

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: Madam Speaker, the minister plainly has done nothing except seek to provide factual information, and she has been yelled at throughout. If they don't like the answer, they shouldn't ask the question.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Minister, did you want to add anything more to your answer?

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: I knew the alleged circumstances of the Aboriginal prisoner when it was raised by the media. I had never received any briefing about that particular prisoner. I knew that there was a woman in the health unit because we had a separation order about her, but regarding specific detail of her conditions and the things that the department was trying to do to accommodate her, I think the first time I had any detailed information about that was March this year.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The time limits apply at the discretion of the Speaker. When there is an issue as important as this issue appears to be today, then I will give discretion to the minister to continue.