DEPARTMENTAL EXECUTIVES

Mr PISONI (Unley) (14:50): Were any of the previous candidates that the Premier (the then education minister) described as 'a quality field' approached to apply for the position this time around?

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Education and Child Development, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (14:50): No, they weren't, and they weren't approached because we were not prepared to take a backwards step in the important work that we are undertaking in improving child safety, improving the processes within the department in handling these important issues, and making sure that the education reforms that Mr Bartley has started—

Mr Pederick interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Hammond is called to order and warned for the first time.

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: —will continue. We were not prepared, sir, to set those things aside to wait another four to six months while we went through a lengthy process when we had an outstanding candidate here who we thought could do the job.