Freedom of Information

Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:53): I have a supplementary question. Will the Attorney-General at least meet with the Ombudsman to discuss the claims of multiple witnesses whom he has reported on in this report yesterday to ascertain the detail of their claims? At least then the Attorney can ask each of his ministers of the nine agencies that have reported in the Ombudsman's audit.

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice Reform, Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Minister for Industrial Relations) (14:54): I am not, in my capacity as Attorney-General, in a position to go around conducting what amounts to an investigation.

Ms Chapman: You are charged with the Freedom of Information Act.

The SPEAKER: The deputy leader will withdraw from the chamber for the next half hour.

The honourable member for Bragg having withdrawn from the chamber:

The Hon. J.R. RAU: As I was saying, as Attorney-General I am not in a position to conduct an investigation. I do not have the power as Attorney-General to compel witnesses. I do not as Attorney-General have the power to compel evidence. I do not as Attorney-General have power to compel the production of documents. In fact, I don't have the power to do anything of that nature. But—

Mr Pisoni interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Unley will withdraw from the chamber for the next half hour.

The honourable member for Unley having withdrawn from the chamber:

The Hon. J.R. RAU: But, Mr Speaker, I do know somebody who has all of those powers; in fact, I know somebody who has all the powers of a royal commissioner, and his name is the Ombudsman. And, guess what? The Ombudsman is already in possession of all of this material. So, as far as I am concerned, the Ombudsman is perfectly able to take this matter forward, and let the cards fall where they will. There is another agency that could take this matter forward if somebody wished to draw it to their attention and if they thought it warranted any further investigation. Let the cards go where they may. I am not in a position to conduct an investigation.