Question Time

Government Advertising

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:58): My question is to the Premier. Why did the government breach its own advertising rules by allowing only 35 minutes to approve half a million dollars worth of taxpayer-funded political advertising for their energy plan?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier, Minister for the Arts) (14:58): Unlike the Leader of the Opposition, I like talking about my energy plan. We noticed yesterday, when he had 20 minutes of contribution, he couldn't once mention his energy plan. We are more than happy to promote—

Mr MARSHALL: Point of order: I ask that you bring the Premier back to the substance of the question, sir, which is about the submission deadlines.

The SPEAKER: I reckon the Premier ought to have 30 seconds to see if he can home in on the answer.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am advised that all the relevant guidelines were complied with by the government agencies in approving the energy plan which has been publicly promoted about South Australia. Let me explain why we publicly promote the energy plan.

Mr Pederick: Political advertising.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: It is an important element of the question. This is an energy plan that is about sending a very clear message to South Australians, South Australian businesses and people who are interested in investing in South Australia that we can warrant a secure future for our energy system in this state. This is absolutely fundamental. If you cannot warrant energy security then that will undermine confidence in the South Australian economy.

Of course, what we know is that there are many people, including the very Prime Minister of our country, who are seeking to promote a lack of confidence in South Australia's energy future by raising questions about South Australia's energy security and unreliability. In a shameful attack on part of his own federation, he raises questions about South Australia's future as an energy secure part of the nation, which of course casts doubt on the investments that can be made in this state, so that is why we need—

Mr MARSHALL: Point of order: I ask you to bring him back to the substance of the question: the 35-minute time frame for the decision to be made.

Mr Knoll: Britney Spears was married for longer than that.

The SPEAKER: I will listen carefully to the Premier, but the question seems to be about the legitimacy of this advertising campaign.

Members interjecting:

Mr MARSHALL: It breaches the advertising guidelines by providing 35 minutes' notice of a decision—35 minutes by email, sir.

The SPEAKER: I call to order the deputy leader, the members for Mitchell, Hammond and Morialta. I warn the members for Mitchell, Morialta and Hammond, and I warn for the second and final time the member for Mitchell.

The Hon. P. Caica: You left the member for Schubert off that list, sir.

Mr Knoll: Because I was actually funny.

The Hon. P. Caica: No, you're not funny, you're a joke.

The SPEAKER: I rule that the member for Schubert was humorous and I call to order the member for Colton.