Lobbyists

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens) (14:51): My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. Does the minister think it is appropriate for a lobbyist with links to Keolis Downer to contact the opposition seeking information without revealing that they work for Keolis Downer? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: After being contacted by a Mark Patterson today, seeking documents and information relating to the privatisation process, the opposition checked the lobbyist register and found that Mr Patterson was not listed as a lobbyist for Keolis Downer in South Australia. The act governing lobbyists requires that they identify themselves when seeking information. Mr Patterson refused repeatedly to identify which company he represented when asked; however, a further investigation found that he had worked for Keolis Downer previously.

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:52): I don't know the detail of what the member is referring to, other than to say that I know one of Keolis Downer's lobbyists was a former staff member for Annastacia Palaszczuk in the Queensland government. I know that lobbyists around the country often have political ties and I notice that a number of them actually have political ties to the Labor Party.

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis: Did you meet the lobbyist?

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD: I don't have any more detail about what the member is referring to.

The SPEAKER: Order, member for West Torrens!