Government Members, Crossing the Floor

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (14:07): My question is to the Premier. Can the Premier advise the house the last time the government of the day lost a vote in the house of government?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, members on my right! The minister for primary industries is called to order.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta—Minister for Education) (14:08): While this is indeed a reflection on a vote, I would—

The SPEAKER: What is the point of order, minister?

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: I am happy to answer as leader of the house.

The SPEAKER: You are answering the question? Let's hear it.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The minister is answering the question.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: I was sitting here four years ago when those opposite in government lost a vote. I will remind you of what it was. The house criticised the Labor government for its absolutely fallacious, misleading and utterly inappropriate campaign to bring fear to Housing Trust residents across Australia—four years ago. It's a reflection that four years ago the house reflected on the immoral way—

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: —the question was about a vote—in which the Labor Party had conducted its election campaign in 2014, nothing to do with members of parliament standing up and doing what they think is right for the people of South Australia, which is what every member on this side of the house did last night. They voted for what they believed was in the best interests of the people of South Australia. That is what we in the Liberal Party do, and that's what we did four years ago when we voted and were joined by a member of a Labor cabinet in defeating the Labor Party four years ago.