Question Time

State Liberal Party

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (14:17): My question is to the Premier. Why do so many of the Premier's own MPs either threaten to quit to leave the Liberal Party, or actually quit to leave the Liberal Party, under your leadership?

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: Point of order.

The SPEAKER: The leader will resume his seat. The Minister for Energy and Mining rises on a point of order.

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: Standing order 97: the question contains argument—completely unacceptable.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, member for West Torrens! The standing order is taken pursuant to standing order 97. It asks why, it introduces facts. Arguably, it contravenes standing order 97. I will allow the question. Does the Premier wish to seek the call?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:18): Thank you very much, sir. It's telling that the first question that the Leader of the Opposition asks after parliament resumes is to focus on grubby politics, as per usual. That's all they are focused on on that side of the house. By contrast—

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis: Your divisions?

The SPEAKER: Member for West Torrens!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —those of us on this side of the house are focused unequivocally on getting through this coronavirus, making sure that we can have—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for West Torrens is called to order.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —a strong rebound and create as many jobs as we can.