Matter of Privilege

Matter of Privilege

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens) (14:39): I rise on a matter of privilege. Yesterday, in question time the Leader of the Opposition asked the Premier a question, and I quote:

My question is to the Premier. Now that the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption has delivered his report on SA Health, will the Premier now provide him with the resources that he has requested to conduct a full investigation into the state's largest public sector agency?

The Premier responded at 14:04:

Yes, the Leader of the Opposition is right. This is the largest public sector agency, and we thank the commissioner for the report, which he delivered to the government last week, which is now being tabled in parliament and available for all to read. I myself am about two-thirds of the way through this report.

Today in question time, in his previous answer the Premier told the parliament that the government had ample time to read the report and that the intergovernment task force was released after the report had been considered.

I believe that the Premier has deliberately and intentionally misled the House of Assembly and that a prima facie case exists for the establishment of a privileges committee. I ask that you give consideration to my matter of privilege and rule if a motion to establish a privileges committee should be given precedence over other business in the House of Assembly.

The SPEAKER: I thank the member for West Torrens. I ask the member for West Torrens to provide me with all relevant information and I will consider the request in due course and come back to the house if necessary.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The leader is not assisting, as well as the Minister for Transport. The member for Florey rose to her feet first. I will go to her and then the member for Kaurna.