Ombudsman Investigation, Member for Bragg

Mr TEAGUE (Heysen) (15:15): Mr Speaker, my further question is to you. In view of the findings of the Ombudsman pursuant to the report that you tabled in this house yesterday, do you accept that your authorisation of payment of the fees and costs of Dr Gray and her instructing solicitors was a waste of taxpayer money, given that the Ombudsman has exposed many serious flaws in the advice of Dr Gray to the committee which was, as we have just heard at some length, accepted by at least the majority of committee members?

The SPEAKER (15:15): Member for Heysen, as you are well aware, any Speaker acts of course in accordance with instructions from the house. I will review the material that you have referenced, and I will return to the house with an answer in due course. I do emphasise to you—and of course you know this as a former Speaker—that a Speaker will authorise expenditure, if that Speaker is required to, in accordance with actions of the house, and must do all things reasonably necessary not to impede the house in the conduct of its duties.