Question Time

Attorney-General

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General) (14:38): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question.

The SPEAKER: One second, Deputy Premier. Twenty-nine minutes, mercifully. The Attorney-General has the call.

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: Again, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. Notwithstanding that the member for West Torrens obviously took objection to me making a ministerial statement on this matter, if the Leader of the Opposition were to read the full statement that I have tabled it will give an update, and I want both the house and the general public to be aware of the circumstances—firstly, in the update, confirming that the processes that are being undertaken here in relation to the statement I made last year, which I repeat: I confirm that I am satisfied that there has been no breach of the act in that regard. Secondly, notwithstanding that, proper processes are entitled to be made, even in a circumstance—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Reynell is warned. Leader, please!

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: —where the independent agencies, including the police and DPP, are charged with a statutory responsibility that they should not be interfered with. They have the cooperation from those of the standards we set on the side of the house, including myself, and notwithstanding the standards set by the opposition when they were in government. We do respect process, I respect process, and this position will continue to be my position and will continue to have the support from me in relation to the proper and appropriate inquiries of those agencies.