Public Transport

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (14:15): My question is to the Premier. Will the Premier release the public health advice stating that social distancing is no longer necessary on our trains?

The Hon. S.K. KNOLL (Schubert—Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government, Minister for Planning) (14:16): Mr Speaker, that question is out of order under standing order 97 because it contains fact and/or argument.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: It was somewhat accusatory, but I am going to allow it today. Minister, I will give you an opportunity to answer it.

The Hon. S.K. KNOLL: Sir, I will heed your advice. We have followed and complied with the public health advice all the way along this process. It is what has guided us. It has been our North Star and it has worked. Again, I should reiterate—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Minister, please be seated for one moment. If I upheld that point of order and prevented the question, I also would have prevented the minister an opportunity to refute the allegation that was perhaps in the question. I have allowed the question, I am allowing the answer and I just ask for a bit of understanding that I could have ruled it out of order; I didn't and I would like to hear the minister's answer.

The Hon. S.K. KNOLL: There is a range of factors that do weigh on the minds of public health officials when providing advice. It is a bit along the same lines that the Premier yesterday gave in his answer about the difference between sitting in a pub for a couple of hours and going to Bunnings. Again, there are nuances around that public health advice. It is also—

Mr Picton: An hour's trip from Gawler?

The SPEAKER: Member for Kaurna!

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Playford is on the board.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Member for Kaurna and Deputy Premier! Yes, I can hear him.

The Hon. S.K. KNOLL: There are a number of factors that weigh upon public health officials' advice. I wouldn't purport to understand all of them. It is up to us to listen to the experts. It is something that has stood South Australia in good stead so far and is something that we will continue to do.