Handley, Mr N.

Dr CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (15:01): My question is to the Minister for Industry and Skills. Has Mr Nicholas Handley had any involvement in organising Liberal Party FutureSA forums, including the Unley forum, and was that a variable in his appointment to the Construction Industry Training Board?

The Hon. D.G. PISONI (Unley—Minister for Industry and Skills) (15:01): The only variable for Mr Handley's appointment was the fact that he qualified—

Dr Close: In what?

The Hon. D.G. PISONI: —under the act in order to be appointed. Anything else that Mr Handley does is a matter for Mr Handley—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Kaurna can leave for half an hour under 137A, thank you.

The honourable member Kaurna having withdrawn from the chamber:

The Hon. D.G. PISONI: —and others, sir; it's not a matter for me. For example, I didn't ask John Hill, the former minister for health, if he was a member of the Labor Party before I extended his appointment—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. D.G. PISONI: —on the Board of the South Australian Film Corporation.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. D.G. PISONI: Nor did I ask Michael Boyce how he voted or what his political affiliations were before I extended his period on the Training and Skills Commission. I appoint people on merit and on their ability.

The SPEAKER: Point of order. Minister, we have a point of order—for debate?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Sir, this is debate. We're asking for an appointment he made for one of his fundraisers.

The SPEAKER: Yes, I have the point of order. The minister I think is wrapping up his answer?

The Hon. D.G. PISONI: I've answered it.

The SPEAKER: He's answered the question. Member for Wright.