Personal Explanation

South Australian Tourism

The Hon. L.W.K. BIGNELL (Mawson—Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Tourism, Minister for Recreation and Sport, Minister for Racing) (17:09): I seek leave to make a personal explanation.

Leave granted.

The Hon. L.W.K. BIGNELL: Earlier during question time during the jocks-gate discussions, after a question from the member for Mount Gambier, I stated that the expenses form claim of the former executive director of the Motor Sport Group had not been approved by the Chief Executive of the South Australian Tourism Commission. I was actually confusing two trips to Darwin made by the Motor Sport Group: one went there under the Motor Sport Board and a second one went up there to take part—

Mr Pisoni: Just read it. You'll muck it up again. Just read it.

The SPEAKER: The member for Unley is warned, and if he interjects again, he will be named.

The Hon. L.W.K. BIGNELL: So, there were two trips to Darwin: one went up for the supercars championships and there was a second one later in the year, which went up there as part of the Bridgestone solar challenge from Darwin to Adelaide.

Mr WILLIAMS: On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Did the minister seek leave to make a personal explanation?

The SPEAKER: He did.

Mr WILLIAMS: Does that give him the opportunity to debate—

The SPEAKER: Range widely? No, it doesn't.

Mr WILLIAMS: Thank you, sir.

The Hon. L.W.K. BIGNELL: I have since been informed that the chief executive did approve the reimbursement of the cost of three pairs of underwear purchased while the Motor Sport Group were in Darwin in 2015. The $15 was included as part of an invoice totalling $65 which, other than the boxer shorts, contained kitchen supplies that were legitimately purchased for the Darwin to Adelaide World Solar Challenge. This expense was after the integration of the Motor Sport Board into the South Australian Tourism Commission and while the team were in Darwin for the World Solar Challenge.

The South Australian Tourism Commission Chief Executive approved the total invoice, due to the underwear component not being clearly identified on the receipt, with it being listed as 'woven boxers' amongst other kitchenware items. The chief executive has since reminded his executive team of the importance of scrutinising all credit card purchases by their staff and asked them to remind all staff of their obligations in this area.