Hockey SA

Ms HILDYARD (Reynell) (14:52): My question is to the Minister for Recreation and Sport. Given that the state government can afford to provide $140,000 for the G’Day USA black tie gala—

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: Point of order.

The SPEAKER: The point of order is for argument.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: There is argument in this question, sir. It is out of order.

The SPEAKER: When the member for Reynell alleges that the government can afford something, arguably that is—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Can or cannot afford it; either way, that is argument. I will allow the member for Reynell to perhaps rephrase the question.

Ms HILDYARD: Why can’t the state government provide $100,000 to support Hockey SA to ensure South Australian participation in the Australian Hockey League?

The SPEAKER: I will allow that question. The Minister for Sport.

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:53): I thank the member for the question. The short answer is: probably the same reason you didn't do it. That would probably be the reason why.

The SPEAKER: Please direct your answer through the Chair, minister.

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD: Mr Speaker, I was just talking about the sports vouchers program that we did implement, the $100 sports voucher program, and the success of that program bearing in mind that, when we came into government, the previous government had no money funded to continue the $50 sports voucher program they had.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD: It's alright; it's okay. We picked up the ball, we ran with it and we doubled it. We put in $100 because we know how important grassroots sport is.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD: That is a $29 million investment in South Australians.