Member for Waite

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (14:40): My question is to the Premier. If the Premier hasn't discussed the investigation with the Speaker, then why did the Premier state on ABC radio this morning in relation to other witnesses that his—

The Hon. S.K. KNOLL: Point of order, Mr Speaker: use of the word 'if' and seeking to insert some sort of transcript from an ABC radio interview is out of order under standing order 97.

The SPEAKER: Standing order 97, 'Such questions not to involve argument,' does say:

In putting any such question, a Member may not offer argument or opinion, nor may a Member offer any facts except by leave of the House…

I do believe respectfully, to the honourable Leader of the Opposition, that he is doing that, so I do uphold the point of order, but in the interests of fairness, as I try to be in this chair, I will offer the leader an opportunity to rephrase.

The Hon. D.C. van Holst Pellekaan: Or you could seek leave.

Mr MALINAUSKAS: Thank you, Mr Speaker.

The SPEAKER: Minister for Energy and Mining, helpful as usual, and you are called to order.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! One is enough, member for Lee. Leader.

Mr MALINAUSKAS: My question is to the Premier. Why did the Premier state on ABC radio this morning in relation to other witnesses that his understanding is nobody has come forward and said—

The Hon. S.K. KNOLL: Point of order, Mr Speaker.

Mr MALINAUSKAS: —we want to be included—

The SPEAKER: Leader—

Mr MALINAUSKAS: —considering he hasn't spoken to the Speaker about the investigation?

The SPEAKER: Leader, your predecessor would have done far worse to you than I am about to do to you if you were in that position. I ask that same question. You know better. I have made a point of order. I am going to ask you to leave. I know you are the Leader of the Opposition and I give you great credit for that. I am going to—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Who wants to go?

The Hon. L.W.K. Bignell: I'll go.

The SPEAKER: Member for Mawson, you can leave for the remainder of question time, and the Leader of the Opposition can leave for half an hour under 137A, and you are lucky you are not named.

The honourable members for Croydon and Mawson having withdrawn from the chamber:

The SPEAKER: I have upheld the point of order. We will move to the member for Colton, and then I will come back to those on my left.