Ministerial Staff

Mr GARDNER (Morialta) (14:53): If the accusation suggested does not, as the Premier indicates, have any basis, why indeed did he give the staff member a first and final warning?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (14:53): If those opposite would listen closely to what I say: the elements of the recitation of the conduct were not in all respects matters that were matters of fact; not to say there wasn't a basis for a finding of misconduct and, therefore, a proper basis for a warning. It demonstrates the peril of people coming in here and making assertions on the basis of things they simply do not understand. This matter was taken incredibly seriously, and my bias in relation to these matters is that I have zero tolerance for them, but I am obliged to undertake—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Yes, it is. I am obliged to undertake a proper process and understand the true nature of the facts and weigh up all of the matters before I take a particular course of action. Now, the individual in question is under no illusion about the seriousness with which this matter is taken. There won't be any tolerance of anything that is in this nature.

Ms Redmond interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Well, those opposite think they know the facts in relation to this matter. It is for people to carry out conscientious investigations, to actually understand the context, to actually see whether there is indeed contrition and to actually understand what the other person (who was the subject of the conduct) thinks about the matter. All of those matters were properly taken into account and a proper disciplinary outcome was undertaken. It is simply wrong to come in here and suggest otherwise.