South Australian Museum

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:48): My question is to the Minister for Arts. How does the minister respond to the parliamentary committee testimony of world-renowned marine mammal expert Dr Catherine Kemper? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: On Monday, Dr Kemper told the Statutory Authorities Review Committee, and I quote:

I would love to return to the South Australian Museum as an honorary researcher…my heart is there and I really feel I have so much more to do, but I won't go back unless there is a change in leadership and direction and there is a return to valuing science, knowledge and research.

The Hon. A. MICHAELS (Enfield—Minister for Small and Family Business, Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, Minister for Arts) (14:48): I thank the member for the question. I do want to acknowledge Dr Catherine Kemper, who is in the gallery at the moment, and thank her for the incredible amount of very important work she has done with the Museum for a very long time. What I do want to acknowledge is the importance that this government places on that research. As the member would be aware, there is obviously some concern—and we have the petition that was lodged earlier today—from a very passionate group of people who want to see the Museum improve and do well. What the Premier and I have done is listen to that, and we have the Premier's Review currently undertaking some work.

I want to thank Dr Jim Thompson, Professor Craig Simmons and Damien Walker for the work that they have done in engaging really closely with some key stakeholders. That work is being done at the moment. The Premier and I are both waiting for that report to come through to us and then decisions will be made. We will make those announcements shortly in due course.