Child Protection

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:35): My question is to the Premier. Considering that the previous head of Families SA, David Waterford, resigned over inadvertently misleading the minister over the department's handling of the Shannon McCoole case, will the Premier now resign for what he refers to as 'failing little children'?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (14:35): This would have had much more credibility if it was made yesterday, this call for resignation.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Well, no, it just would have had more credibility because, you see, if they really believed that the report and our response to it required a resignation, why wasn't it made yesterday? The truth is, the reason why it wasn't made yesterday, is that this is part of the three-day media strategy to make sure that this is strung along over the coming days.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Okay, now, let's test it. Let's test their resolve.

The SPEAKER: Point of order.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Let's test their resolve, Mr Speaker.

The SPEAKER: The Premier will be heard in silence. He has the call. He has been asked a question; I presume he is in the course of addressing it.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Let's test their resolve, Mr Speaker. I have said I won't resign. I am now prepared to offer, after question time, you move a motion of no confidence. You can make your arguments. You can move your motion of no confidence.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: No, right here, right now. Here is the offer. What do you say?

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Okay, great.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Bring it on.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Move it.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I shall adjourn—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I suspend the sitting of the house until order is resumed.

Sitting suspended from 14:38 to 14:57.

The SPEAKER: Member for Colton.