Capital Works

The Hon. I.F. EVANS (Davenport) (14:28): My question is to the Treasurer: can the Treasurer name any other procurement process or any other procurement policy where the government allocates work on the basis of the company's need and not best value for taxpayers?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (14:29): Well sir, the irony: I remember there was a case last year where the opposition were talking about local South Australian stationery suppliers who were missing out on contracts because of wanting best value for money. Here they are now saying—

Members interjecting:

Mr Pisoni: Is that the best value for money?

The SPEAKER: The member for Unley is called to order.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: On one aspect, 'That's okay'; on the other aspect, 'How dare you!' When it comes to splinters and logs in each other's eyes—

Mr Pisoni: It wasn't best value for money.

The SPEAKER: The member for Unley is warned for the first time.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: And school buses in the country, so how about the hypocrisy? Happily, hypocrisy is a Greek word, so I know what it means and I can say that members opposite fit the bill nicely.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The members for Chaffey and Stuart are warned for the first time. The member for Davenport.