Dixon, Mr B.

Ms HILDYARD (Reynell) (14:57): My question again is to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Can the minister explain why his office went to such extraordinary lengths to hide the contents of the letter from public view? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

The SPEAKER: The Minister for Energy and Mining rises on a point of order.

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: Argument, sir: 'went to extraordinary lengths to hide' something or other is clearly argument.

The Hon. L.W.K. Bignell interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Mawson is called to order and warned.

The Hon. L.W.K. Bignell interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Mawson is warned for a second time. I uphold the point of order. There is no occasion to introduce argument into the question. The question should be in order. If leave is sought, then leave may be obtained to introduce such facts as are necessary to explain it. I will give the member for Reynell an opportunity to rephrase.

Ms HILDYARD: Can the minister explain why his office hid the contents of the letter from public view? With you leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Ms HILDYARD: On Friday 14 August, InDaily carried a story titled 'Why you can't read letter to Wingard about controversial appointment', which included a nearly fully redacted copy of the letter that they have now obtained.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The Minister for Innovation and Skills is warned.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The Premier will cease interjecting.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, member for Wright!

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:59): Thank you for clarifying the question. From our perspective, ministers don't interfere with FOI requests. It is done by an FOI officer. I am not sure what happened in their government, but that's the process and protocol here.