Legislative Council President

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:35): My question is to the Premier: has the allegation by the former president of the other place, the Hon. John Gazzola, that the current President of the other place is 'a parasite' made the President's position untenable?

The SPEAKER: I am not sure the Premier is responsible to the house for that, but he looks like he would like to answer it.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (14:36): I think I summarised my position in relation to all of these matters as effectively as I could in my earlier answer, which was to say that the extent to which we all seek to ventilate these questions and throw any petrol on this fire is likely to reflect poorly on all of us. Obviously, it doesn't reflect well on the government, and I acknowledge that. I think all members should focus on the job that they have, which is to represent their constituents and, in the case of office holders, to discharge their offices; that is what should happen.

If those opposite wish to advance their allegations there are the relevant authorities for them to send their allegations to. So if you have some information that you think ought to belong with an authority, you send it there, but be very careful though, because we have seen in the past what has happened when those opposite have advanced baseless allegations. They have had rather the opposite effect than perhaps one might have hoped for.

So, think carefully about your allegations. I think it is disappointing that we have squabbles essentially over positions; I think most people are out there worried about their jobs and they would like us to be in here talking about those things. So, to the extent that we are intruding into that territory, I agree that it reflects poorly on all of us.

The SPEAKER: The member for Davenport is called to order for an earlier offence.

Mr Marshall: Stop it!

The SPEAKER: He did. The Treasurer is warned a first time in the midst of further offending, and the member for Morialta is warned for the second and final time.

An honourable member interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I think not. The leader.