Question Time

Member for Narungga

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (14:06): My question is to the member for Narungga. Why didn't the member for Narungga support the Premier at the Waite Liberal branch meeting last night?

The Hon. S.K. KNOLL: Point of order: standing order 96 is extremely clear, in that members are only responsible to the house for motions or other public business for which those members are—

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis: A public meeting about public business?

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. S.K. KNOLL: —in your opinion, Mr Speaker, responsible to the house, and this does not meet the threshold.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! I would like the interjections on my left to please cease. I uphold the point of order. A minister can only be questioned on matters which he or she is responsible for or officially connected. Such matters must concern public affairs, administration and proceedings pending in the house.

Mr Odenwalder interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Elizabeth is talking while I am talking. Let's not start question time this way. You are warned and called to order. The underlying principle is that ministers are required to answer questions only on matters for which they are responsible to the house. Speakers have ruled out of order questions in the past and parts of questions—for example, things like statements, activities, actions or decisions of the minister's own party, including party or party union activities. So there is much precedence there. I uphold the point of order. I will give the leader another go.

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis: Treachery is okay, then.

The SPEAKER: The member for West Torrens shouts, 'Treachery is okay.' He is called to order and warned.