Question Time

Adelaide Convention Centre Gala Dinner

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens) (14:42): My question is to the Premier. Did the proceeds of the Jing Lee 10-year anniversary dinner go to the Liberal Party, and was that made clear to everyone who purchased a ticket? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: The opposition has sourced copies of email invites to the 10-year anniversary of the Hon. Jing Lee 'humble' $180 a head, per person, anniversary dinner, and there is no reference to the Liberal Party or the function being a Liberal Party fundraiser on any email or any document. The opposition has also spoken to attendees who were not aware the event was a Liberal Party fundraiser and have told the opposition they wouldn't have attended if they had known.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:42): These are matters for the Liberal Party, of course, and I suggest that the member for West Torrens directs his inquiries there. We don't make inquiries of the Labor Party here in question time when we find out that the Leader of the Opposition is having a bowling night with pizza, raising money for the Australian Labor Party.

I think it's pretty much known by most people here that there is an election next year. Political parties can, if they conform with the various statutes that we have in place here in South Australia, raise money—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, member for Mawson!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —to support activities, and we encourage that. Of course, I was at that event. It was a very good event. I think you probably could have picked up a ticket and come along; you would have seen some very good moves on that dance floor.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: A lot of people were out there. I don't want to comment on my own style, but it was a good event. I wasn't involved in the sale of those tickets, but what I do know is that Jing Lee does an outstanding job representing the multicultural communities here in South Australia. They absolutely love her. They adore her. She wasn't supported by the Labor Party for the presidency. They talk a lot about diversity and they talk a lot about gender. They are out there on a daily basis talking about gender and diversity—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —but when they are put to the test and they have the opportunity to advance that cause they are found wanting.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The Premier will resume his seat. The member for West Torrens rises on a point of order.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Standing order 98, sir.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Reynell will cease interjecting. The member for Reynell is called to order.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Standing order 98: the Premier is not answering the substance of the question. He is debating the answer.

The SPEAKER: I uphold the point of order. Has the Premier concluded his answer?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: Absolutely, sir.

The SPEAKER: Before I call the member for West Torrens, I call to order the member for Mawson and I warn the Deputy Premier.