Member for Waite

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (17:00): Thank you, sir. My question is to you, Mr Speaker. Why did it take more than four weeks from the events of Friday 13 December 2019 for the government to launch an investigation into the member for Waite's conduct?

The SPEAKER (17:00): Obviously, what has occurred is well set out and that is to date. Obviously, I became aware of the allegations in a personal capacity probably towards the end of December. I would have thought that the party of the worker would realise that there is this period of time between Christmas and new year where a lot of government agencies are closed, a lot of staff are on leave.

I have had to put in calls over the break, myself and my office, and some of those agencies were actually closed at the time. It is a time when obviously a lot of organisations do not have all staff accessible at that time, so—

Mr Malinauskas interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Yes. I can say that I have certainly acted, let me tell you, as quickly as I reasonably could. I was in correspondence over the break, over the Christmas/new year period, so I do not accept that it has taken—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I understand the frustration. Can I say that I just don't appreciate the comments to suggest that in any way I have delayed this process, because I have acted as quickly as I can. I think that everyone would agree that it is in everyone's interest that this be dealt with as expeditiously as possible. Leader, and then the member for Hammond.