Members, Accommodation Allowances

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens) (14:23): My question is to the Premier. Why hasn't the Premier instructed his party room colleague Terry Stephens to stand aside to allow a thorough, independent investigation of his country members' allowance claims?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:23): I thank the member for West Torrens for his question. This is a matter, of course, for the Legislative Council, but what I can say is that I am very supportive of the fact that the President there has referred the country member accommodation entitlements to the Auditor-General. He will look at all members' returns with regard to that matter. More than that, the President has also referred his specific taxation issues to the commissioner for taxation in South Australia.

There have been questions and there have been issues raised. We now have two eminently qualified people looking into this issue. My understanding is that the President has asked for a swift response from the Auditor-General so that we can clarify this matter. I just repeat that if there are issues that are identified in that report, either from the Auditor-General or from RevenueSA and the commissioner for taxation, then we will take the appropriate action.