CARETAKER GOVERNMENT CONVENTIONS

The Hon. I.F. EVANS (Davenport) (15:01): My question is to the Minister for Health. Does the minister agree with Under Treasurer Brett Rowse and the CEO of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Jim Hallion, that public servants are unable to discuss opposition policies with the government during the caretaker period? During the estimates committees, the state's two most senior public servants expressed their understanding that the caretaker convention prevents the Public Service from discussing the opposition's policies with the government during the caretaker period. The minister has previously expressed to this house a different view.

The Hon. J.D. HILL (Kaurna—Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Arts) (15:02): Which I am entitled to do, as I understand it.