South Australian Museum

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (15:00): My question is to the Minister for Arts. Do the chair of the South Australian Museum Board, the director of the Museum and the minister herself understand the contribution scientists make to the Museum? With your leave and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: On Monday, the Statutory Authorities Review Committee heard evidence from Dr Catherine Kemper and Mrs Mary Lou Simpson specifically that they do not.

The Hon. A. MICHAELS (Enfield—Minister for Small and Family Business, Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, Minister for Arts) (15:00): In short, yes, I certainly do. I can't answer for the others but Dr Gaimster is eminently qualified and Mr Kim Cheater also has had a long association with the Museum and is very well aware of the issues and the importance of research, so, yes.