Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit

Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:52): A further question to the Treasurer: has the minister or his department undertaken any investigation or modelling or called for expressions of interest for the sale of fines and/or revenue from the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit, and, if so, will he table any reports on the same?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy) (14:52): I would have to check. I doubt very much we have, but I'll go have a look. I am not sure what work the independent Public Service does, but I'll go back and check and get back—

Mr Knoll: An independent Public Service?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Yes, they are independent.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Often, in the lead-up to the caretaker period, the Public Service begin bodies of work for incoming briefs. The incoming briefs detail a number of options that the Public Service offer incoming ministers. So I don't know—

The Hon. J.W. Weatherill: Things that they can't get past us.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Yes, things that they can't get past us; that's right. I am not aware, but I will check to make sure if any work has been done. Like I have said many times, we have been in office for 16 years, and in those 16 years we have never privatised SA Water. We have no plans to; we rule it out. Mr Speaker, we rule it out. We will not sell SA Water. I invite the opposition to make the same commitment.

Mr Marshall interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Before the Treasurer launches into debate, I warn the leader for the second and final time. At the time he began interjecting and asking the Treasurer another question, the Treasurer hadn't yet tipped over into debate. He was still supplying the house with information.

An honourable member interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Yes, that's my point. Treasurer.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I will check and get back to the member, but we rule out privatising SA Water. It will not occur.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Unley is warned. Deputy leader.