Small Business Grants

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee) (14:49): Is the Premier concerned by reports that applicants are being advised that their applications won't be paid as application periods remain open?

The Hon. S.K. KNOLL: Under standing order 97, that question contained fact and argument.

The SPEAKER: Would the member for Lee like to seek leave to insert any fact?

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN: Yes, sure—perhaps I will rephrase, sir.

The SPEAKER: Please.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN: Six, actually.

The SPEAKER: Member for Lee, let's get on with it.

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN: My question is to the Premier. Will he now instruct the Department of Treasury and Finance to process these applications more quickly?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:50): I feel very confused by the questions that we are receiving from the opposition today. At one stage—

The Hon. S.C. Mullighan: Businesses need help. You're not helping. Get on with it.

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Lee is called to order.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —they were encouraging us to close off the applications. I would have thought people would want to keep the applications open for as long as possible. My understanding is—

The Hon. S.C. Mullighan: Perhaps if you spent less time on your phone and more time listening you would keep up.

The SPEAKER: Order, member for Lee!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —that those applications stay open until 1 June. As I indicated, my understanding is that there have been some payments that have already started to be made.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Member for Playford! The Premier has concluded his answer. The member for Flinders has the call.

The Hon. S.C. Mullighan interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Lee is warned.