Question Time

Member for Narungga

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (14:04): My question is to the Premier. What is the Premier's response to the member for Narungga's challenge to effectively 'back him or sack him'? With your leave, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr MALINAUSKAS: In the Adelaide Magistrates Court this morning, magistrate Christopher Smolicz remanded the member for Narungga on continuing bail to face trial on 14 June 2022 on 23 charges of deception relating to the country members' allowance. After the hearing, the member provided a statement in which he said, and I quote:

As this matter will now not be resolved prior to the state election, I will write to the state executive of the Liberal Party inviting them to confirm that I remain the endorsed Liberal Party candidate for the seat of Narungga.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:04): Thank you very much. I haven't seen that exact statement, but what I can say—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: Well, it would be very helpful if the Leader of the Opposition could provide it—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —and I thank him very much.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, Premier!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: I am sure he—

The SPEAKER: Premier, if I can bring you to order, these matters are sub judice, so it may be that you wish to refer to that in your answer, but I give you the option if you do not.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: As I was saying, Mr Speaker, I am sure that the Leader of the Opposition was quite correct in his faithful presentation of the words of the member for Narungga but, as he would probably be aware, membership of the Liberal Party is something which is determined by the state executive. That is something that will need to be determined by them, and I am sure that is something that will be considered by them very shortly.