History Trust

Dr CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:33): My question is to the Minister for Education. Is the state government allocating $1.5 million in the upcoming state budget to relocate the History Trust of South Australia from the Torrens Parade Ground?

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta—Minister for Education) (14:34): Obviously, the state budget is coming out on 22 June. I am looking forward to the Treasurer delivering that state budget. I have a very good feeling that it's going to be an outstanding budget for the people of South Australia, one that focuses on our needs going forward, one that identifies some of the challenges going forward and addresses them because this is a government focused on the best interests of the people of South Australia.

The member has referenced a project that has been discussed in the History Trust for a number of years. I am trying to recall; I think Jack Snelling was the Minister for the Arts when this was first proposed. I think that Jay Weatherill was then the Minister for the Arts when this was being discussed.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Member for Playford!

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: The History Trust have been part of the education portfolio for a period of time and, indeed, there has been a challenge about their accommodation for a period of time. I think that there are some very wise people at the History Trust. I think Elizabeth Ho and the trustees of the History Trust do a great job. I think Greg Mackie as the chief executive does a great job. They have lots of useful suggestions and the government considers those suggestions.

The SPEAKER: Before I call the member for Elder, I remind all members, particularly members on my left in the course of that answer, that the minister in answering the question is entitled to be heard in silence. I am endeavouring to listen carefully to both the questions and the answers and that proves difficult where there are ongoing interjections.