Minister's Remarks

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (14:10): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

The SPEAKER: Before the Treasurer seeks leave, I warn the deputy leader for the second and final time for an interjection during the Deputy Premier's ministerial statement. The Treasurer seeks leave to make a ministerial statement. Is leave granted?

Leave granted.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Commissioner Lander has thoroughly investigated the sale of the state-owned land at Gillman using his powers as a royal commissioner. I welcome the commissioner's report and the clarity it provides on the issue. I would like to address a number of references the commissioner made regarding the language I have used during meetings with the Public Service.

It is well known that I am a driven, passionate and outspoken member of parliament. I approach issues within my portfolios with great vigour and enthusiasm. I believe the public rightly deserves results from their elected representatives. In turn, ministers expect results from their agencies and the ones that report to them. As part of this process, I look to my public servants for frank and fearless advice.

My meetings are a forum in which public servants are encouraged to speak up, debate and have their say. I might not always like what I hear, but that is one of the reasons I greatly respect the public servants I work with. I acknowledge I have used inappropriate language within those meetings. I also recognise that a power imbalance exists between ministers and members of the public sector. Regardless of my intent, I must acknowledge the use of conversational swearing may be misinterpreted. For that, I sincerely apologise. I have spoken with the Premier—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Newland. I also call to order the members for Goyder and Stuart, who appeared to be telling the house by way of interjection that they have never used conversational swearing. Treasurer.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I have spoken with the Premier about the behaviour referenced in the commissioner's report, and he has made it clear that he expects a higher standard of me. I agree. It is an expectation I will meet.

Dr McFetridge interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Morphett is warned for the second and final time.