Alinta Energy

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (14:35): Supplementary question, Mr Speaker: given that the Treasurer has just told the house the reasons why he would not release this information, why is it that the Ombudsman has said, 'It would not be contrary to the public interest to disclose the document'?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy) (14:35): You would have to ask the Ombudsman why he thought that. But, since you are asking me, my very strong view is that, when companies want to speak to the South Australian government about what is occurring on their balance sheets and what is happening to them, they can come to us confidentially and speak to us about these matters without them being talked about in the public.

It is no wonder that this policy shift by the opposition about allowing the information to be made public is live. The conservative members of his party are attempting to retake the financial agenda off this left-wing leader and bring in someone like Craig Kelly. That's why they are doing it, because he has gone so far to the left that they have lost all faith in him whatsoever. I just think the collateral damage is unfair.

The SPEAKER: The member for Morialta.

Mr GARDNER: The first problem under the standing orders then was 98, debate by the Treasurer.

The SPEAKER: I uphold the point of order. Member for Stuart.