Personal Explanation

Fruit Fly

The Hon. D.K.B. BASHAM (Finniss—Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development) (19:30): I seek leave to make a personal explanation.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.K.B. BASHAM: I have this afternoon been provided with advice from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions in relation to an answer I provided during estimates questioning on 29 July 2021. In answer to a question from the member for Lee in relation to how much Ms Poh Ling Yeow was paid for appearing in fruit fly advertisements, I was advised in writing by the department in a briefing note dated 23 July 2021 that the payment amount is commercial-in-confidence.

In answer to further questions on this matter, my department advisers verbally informed me it was their understanding that it was Ms Poh Ling Yeow's firm that requested the amount be treated as commercial-in-confidence. That was the answer I then provided. The advice provided to me was incorrect. I am now advised by the department that there is no confidentiality clause in the final signed contract with Ms Poh Ling Yeow. The contract was for a 12-month period from 12 February 2021 for an amount of $10,000 for the use of images.