Liberal Party, Sexual Assault Allegations

Dr CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:42): My question is to the Attorney-General. Does the Attorney-General believe the allegations made by Ms Chelsey Potter that she was sexually assaulted by a Liberal colleague in Canberra?

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General) (14:42): Even if I had a view on these matters, it would be entirely inappropriate for me to express them, so I won't. I ask members to respect the position of those who make these statements about circumstances that they have found themselves in and want to make a statement on it. I am not the adjudicator—

The Hon. D.G. Pisoni interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Minister for Innovation, order! The Deputy Premier is on her feet. Members expect me to listen to the answers, so I would like to do so.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The Minister for Primary Industries is called to order. Deputy Premier.

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: I am not the investigator or the adjudicator—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: —of this matter and it would be entirely inappropriate for me to offer commentary on this matter, particularly as the only matters that I have in fact before me are those that I expect most others in the parliament have read.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Deputy Premier, please be seated for one moment. If this continues, members will be departing today. I would not like to end this way before the midwinter break, but if I need to I will; I will act. Members on both sides—don't point. The Deputy Premier has the call.

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: I have finished.