Attorney-General

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee) (14:54): My question is to the Premier. Given the former attorney, the Hon. Michael Atkinson, stood aside while the actions of his chief executive were being administratively investigated, why won't his Attorney stand aside while her own actions are being considered for prosecution?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Deputy Premier, please be seated. These interjections between questions and answers need to cease or members on my left will be leaving, as will members on my right. The Deputy Premier has the call.

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General) (14:55): In responding to this, I think it is important that I draw attention to the member for Lee's erroneous—

The Hon. S.C. Mullighan interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Lee is on two warnings.

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: —reference in his question to there being a matter referred for prosecution. I would invite him to read the ministerial statement, which doesn't say that at all.

Mr Picton: When else do things get referred to the DPP?

The SPEAKER: Member for Kaurna!

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: In any event, I think it is important that he read that. Let me say this: I don't, and this side of the house does not, set the standards—

The Hon. S.C. Mullighan: You should not be on that front bench.

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: —of what the Attorney-General of this state should do or shouldn't do—

The Hon. S.C. Mullighan: You should not be on that front bench!

The SPEAKER: The member for Lee continues to interject. I ask him to leave for 20 minutes, please.

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: —according to the conduct standards—

The SPEAKER: Member for Lee!

The honourable member for Lee having withdrawn from the chamber:

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: —set by the former attorney-general. I don't compare myself to the Hon. Michael Atkinson or to the standards that he set in this parliament when he was in office. I never would ever set my standards as low as those.

The SPEAKER: He was a very good Speaker, however. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.