South Australian Museum

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:50): My question is to the Minister for Arts. Is the minister aware of testimony given to the Statutory Authorities Review Committee in relation to a $1 million donation to the Museum, the terms of which have allegedly been breached by the Museum leadership, and, if so, what action is the minister taking to address this matter?

The Hon. A. MICHAELS (Enfield—Minister for Small and Family Business, Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, Minister for Arts) (14:50): I thank the member for the question. Yes, I am aware of the evidence that was provided and I have received some information in relation to that. Very kindly, Mr Antony Simpson donated $1 million to the Museum back in 2019 under the former government. The new leadership of the Museum has been working with Mr Simpson in the last year or so to resolve any issues that may exist around where that donation is being spent.

I understand that there was agreement reached in principle in late March this year for the donated funds to support an early career appointment. I understand that role will oversee the migration of the significant Vince mineral collection for the Museum for a two-year period in collaboration with the Australian Critical Minerals Research Centre at the University of Adelaide, and the Museum is due to advertise that position in due course. I understand that since the new leadership and this government have been involved, that work is being done and those negotiations have been undertaken with Mr Simpson.

We are very grateful for the contributions that Mary Lou and Ant Simpson have made to the Museum over many years, and we look forward to engaging with them and working with them closely.