Ministerial Staff Expenses

Mr COWDREY (Colton) (14:43): Supplementary, sir: can the minister outline the exact nature of these out-of-hours trips, including their work purpose? If not, why were they approved?

The Hon. N.F. COOK (Hurtle Vale—Minister for Human Services) (14:43): Thank you very much for the question. All reimbursements were approved under the previous Liberal government. There were no questions asked.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Member for Colton, you have asked the question and the minister is attempting to answer.

The Hon. N.F. COOK: I am not sure where you are going with this, but if you have an allegation you should make it. All of the—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Florey is warned. The member for Unley is warned. The minister has the call.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. N.F. COOK: Beg your pardon?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Unley is warned for a final time. The minister has the call.

The Hon. N.F. COOK: Actually they are signed off under a number of mechanisms—but anyway, irrespective, as to all reimbursements that have occurred, my understanding is absolutely they are work-related expenses in terms of travel.

Many events, as all members would know, go late into the night quite often. In fact, I believe I will be at one very, very late tomorrow night for the Community Service Awards. Any members who have attended those know that they go very late at night. But, as I understand, all expenses have been signed off under the previous Liberal government as work related.

The SPEAKER: There are two members on the opposition side seeking the call. I give the call to the member for Colton.