Gibson Electorate Office

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens) (14:34): My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, with the permission of the Speaker, of course. Did the minister ever participate in mediation between staff regarding his conduct?

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: Point of order, sir: the same point of order as applied to the last question.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Lee on the point of order?

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN: Yes, Mr Speaker. The entire purpose of question time is that the executive government is held to account. We are not talking about the behaviour of a staff member of the minister. We are talking about the behaviour of a minister. If he can't be accountable to this place, then where on earth can he be expected to be held accountable? This is the purpose of the parliament.

The SPEAKER: The relevant standing order—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, member for Elizabeth! The relevant standing order makes clear that questions relating to public affairs may be put to ministers and in circumstances where such questions relate to those matters which, in the opinion of the Speaker, the minister or other member is responsible to the house. The minister relevantly responsible in this regard, it seems to me, is the Treasurer. It's for that reason I uphold the point of order.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Playford is warned.

Mr PICTON: Point of order: standing order 96 very specifically refers to public affairs being the key definition. I think any reading of 'public affairs' would have that the conduct of a minister and the duty of their officers is a public affair that this house should be able to ask questions about.

The SPEAKER: There is no point of order. The member for Kaurna is aware of the procedure available should he wish to deal with the matter another way.