South Australian Museum

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:59): My question is to the Minister for Arts. Can the minister confirm that the South Australian Museum will continue to carry out a scientific research function under the Malinauskas Labor government? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: The Museum Act highlights functions of the Museum Board, including, '…to carry out, or promote, research into matters of scientific and historical interest'. The museum is a global leader in that, particularly in mineral sciences, biological sciences and palaeontology. However, board minutes released under FOI reveal that the Museum Board is looking at ceasing its research functions.

The Hon. A. MICHAELS (Enfield—Minister for Small and Family Business, Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, Minister for Arts) (15:00): As the shadow minister has just highlighted, the Museum Act has its objectives for the museum set out, and they include research. They do a fantastic job with the research.

The Hon. J.A.W. Gardner interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Member for Morialta!

The Hon. A. MICHAELS: I know that the chair of the Museum Board has had discussions—

The Hon. J.A.W. Gardner interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Ms Clancy interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, member for Elder! The minister has the call.

The Hon. A. MICHAELS: —with our higher education institutions. The research function will continue, as required under the act.