Attorney-General

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (14:52): My question is to the Premier. Can the Premier recall a single instance in the history of South Australia where the first law officer of the state has been referred to a DPP and not stood aside?

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: Point of order: that question in no way meets the standards required by standing order 97.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:52): I am happy to answer it because it provides me with an opportunity to remind the opposition what questions—

The SPEAKER: Is the Premier happy to take that question?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: I am very happy to answer it, but it is completely out of order—

The SPEAKER: I will allow the question.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —and I will point out why it is out of order.

The SPEAKER: Are you answering the question?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: The question that I am answering is: I don't have a detailed knowledge of every single case that has occurred in this state's history. The opposition gets an opportunity every time we meet—an hour of question time—to come up with questions. They ran out of questions yesterday. They have clearly run out of questions today. They are becoming more and more inane at every opportunity. How is it the responsibility—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —of the Premier to be the custodian of all historic decisions made within all governments over the period of time? Look, I suggest—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, members on my left!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —that those opposite get a briefing. I hope that they will be able to get a briefing or maybe update their staff and their officers. They have been working with Mr Naughton now for some time.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: He has been writing the questions. I suggest that there is a briefing provided to the opposition.

The Hon. S.C. Mullighan interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Member for Lee!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: This might be something that could happen through your office regarding standing orders, appropriate questions to ask ministers and the Premier during question time—2 o'clock on a sitting day.

The Hon. L.W.K. Bignell interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Mawson can leave for 20 minutes under 137A.

The Hon. L.W.K. Bignell: I'm sorry; I've been sitting here quietly.

The SPEAKER: Member for Mawson, I have written down many interjections. I have allowed it to flow for a while. I ask you to leave for 20 minutes. Thank you.

The honourable member for Mawson having withdrawn from the chamber: