Member for Waite

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (16:53): Mr Speaker, my question is to you. Did the Speaker consult with the Premier, his office or any of his staff before making the decision to appoint a private investigator rather than a public authority?

The SPEAKER (16:54): I suppose you could say we made a variety of inquiries, because obviously we are in uncharted territory—we are in somewhat uncharted territory. Like I said, I have real empathy for the alleged aggrieved victims here and the action that I have taken I have not taken lightly.

Of course, I had to obtain research and I had to consult widely but, as I said, I have made two thorough statements and I won't be expanding on what I have provided to the house at this stage. I am moving to—

Mr MALINAUSKAS: Supplementary.

The SPEAKER: I have given you three. I am moving to the government and I will come back to someone on my left after that. Member for Colton.