Small Business Commissioner Annual Report

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (15:46): My question is to the Minister for Small Business. Given that the report of factual finding into statistical discrepancies contained in the Small Business Commissioner's annual report was dated Monday 23 March, before the last sitting week, why was it not tabled before today?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (15:46): I tabled the advice as soon as the Small Business Commissioner made it available to me and to my office. I understand that this was raised with me earlier and I sought advice on at what point I should advise the parliament. I sought crown law advice and I spoke to the department until we were able to ascertain that, in fact, it was an error. We were not exactly sure what we could tell the parliament without being ambiguous. Once we had it verified and checked, we made it available at the first possible opportunity which, the advice I have received, was today.

The SPEAKER: I share that the minister was in touch with me during the break, early in the break, I think, about the matter.