Minister's Remarks

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:19): My question is to the Premier. What remedy does the Premier suggest for the Treasurer's behaviour? Can he provide further clarity to his statement made to the house earlier today, when he said that he is going to ask the Treasurer to reflect on his conduct? What constitutes that reflection on the conduct, and how will the Premier be satisfied that the Treasurer has taken steps to ensure proper standards are upheld?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (14:19): I had a lengthy conversation with the Treasurer as soon as I had access to the report today, and we discussed its implications. We discussed its implications in all of the senses that I have just mentioned: the effect that this can have on the public servants in the environment that it's created; the risks, frankly, that it poses to the minister in these circumstances where criticisms can be made of his conduct; and, frankly, the way in which this reflects on the government and, indeed, all members of parliament.

I think the profession of public service is the highest calling, and if we are to persuade the rest of the community that this is a high calling and that people of merit should be attracted to it, then we need to uphold the dignity of the office, and he accepts that. So, in answer to your question, I had to satisfy myself that he understood that, and I do believe he does understand. I had to satisfy myself that he was prepared to make a public apology, and he offered that freely without me insisting upon it. You have seen his public statement, and he has had to endure the public opprobrium of having these matters, which are uncomfortable matters, spoken about publicly and him being criticised publicly, all of which is unpleasant but necessary.