Personal Explanation

Local Government Elections

The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Stuart—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Roads, Minister for Veterans Affairs) (16:54): I seek leave to make a personal explanation.

Leave granted.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: During question time today, the member for Flinders asked several questions of me about a member of my ministerial staff actively participating in the council election process. I have since made inquiries in my office to understand the context of the member's questions. I have been advised that my adviser for veterans affairs had sent the text that was read out by the member for Flinders during question time today.

While he has not contravened any rules regarding council elections, he has advised me that he will cease all activities regarding the upcoming council elections. My adviser is a hardworking and long-serving current elected member of a council. He is not contesting the current council elections and will therefore cease to be a local councillor once the elections have been declared in a few weeks' time.

However, I wish to make it clear that, because of his status as a serving councillor at the time that he commenced working in my office, at my direction he has not participated or contributed to any matters pertaining to the local government portfolio.