HOLDEN COINVESTMENT

Mr MARSHALL (Norwood—Leader of the Opposition) (14:20): So, just for clarity, Premier, are you saying that you didn't raise these issues with minister Macfarlane whatsoever, you simply informed him before making your public statements via the media?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The Premier.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development, Minister for the Public Sector, Minister for the Arts) (14:21): I am having trouble following the—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: I think most people are having trouble following that question; it defies construction. I will give it the most positive construction that I can. It is true. If there is linguistic distinction between informing him and telling him, I will try to find what it is, but certainly we did have a conversation where I outlined what my attitude was to the ongoing delay in relation to this matter.

Mr Marshall: Just before you put the press release out.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: It wasn't a question of press release. I was asked for a comment by the media and, as a courtesy—and I think it is a courtesy to tell somebody that is doing something which I think is manifestly not in the government's or, indeed, the state's interests; nevertheless, I decided as a courtesy to try to maintain the relationship—I said to Mr Macfarlane the nature of the conversation I have already outlined, but I don't want to dwell on that. What I would urge the Leader of the Opposition to do is, instead of wanting to appease his federal leader, perhaps he could stand up for his state.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Before you ask your third and final supplementary on this question, I warn the members for Chaffey, Hammond, the deputy leader, and Morphett for the first time, and you also for the first time, and call the Minister for Health to order. The leader.