Question Time

Alinta Energy

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy) (14:33): A wise decision, sir. The government will not be discussing any company who comes to speak to us about their concerns, other than to say that if the Leader of the Opposition is advocating for a policy of every time someone comes to us seeking assistance we make it public, whether we offer that assistance or not, then I suspect that, if he ever does become fit to be Premier, no South Australian company will ever speak to the government about what their concerns are.

Mr Marshall: Why don't you answer the question instead of waffling on around the place?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I am answering the question. I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a bad day. His backbench and his shadow cabinet are behind his back conspiring to bring people from outside of the parliament, outside of the state, to the poor old member for Morphett, a good and decent man.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The Treasurer will be seated. I presume the member for Morialta's point of order is that he would like this political biffo to cease.

Mr GARDNER: Well, it's debate, and the Treasurer is obstructing by continually doing it.

The SPEAKER: Yes, and he is being subject to a torrent of interjections from the leader, so I would have to act against both of them, and I ask both of them to get on with the business.

Dr McFETRIDGE: I seek leave to make a personal explanation.

The SPEAKER: I didn't notice any reflection on the member for Morphett but, if the member for Morphett would care to approach me, I will assess his request for a personal explanation.

Dr McFETRIDGE: I am happy to, sir.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I meant no offence to the member for Morphett: I'm a fan. I want him to stay, sir. I don't want to see him unceremoniously dumped by those conspiring behind the back of the Leader of the Opposition. He doesn't even know it is happening to him.

The SPEAKER: The member for Morphett just wishes it to be known that he is neither poor nor old. The member for Stuart.