Ministerial Staff

Mr GARDNER (Morialta) (14:55): I have a supplementary question. Given that the Premier will not outline what the mitigating factors were in this situation and he will not identify what part of the allegation is allegedly not true, can the Premier confirm indeed that it is not his view that unless physical violence takes place it cannot be classified as violence against women?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (14:55): Of course that is not my view about the matter and it is utterly outrageous to suggest otherwise. What we had was an episode which involved conduct on a particular occasion between two individuals. That was the subject of an investigation. It was subject to certain findings about what happened. It was subject to an apology, and a judgement was made about what the appropriate disciplinary action should be in relation to this matter.

I make clear again that it is a point of principle for this government that we take the question of the respectful behaviour of our staff in relation to other people, whether they be members of the public or fellow employees or other people with whom they have contact in the course of their duties, to be a matter of grave concern to us. They should always behave in a courteous and respectful manner, and conduct of the nature of that which was alleged is unacceptable.

The SPEAKER: The member for Adelaide is called to order. The Member for Morialta.