Seat of Mount Gambier

Mr TEAGUE (Heysen—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:29): My question is again to you, sir. What precedent have you used in making a determination that will see the people of Mount Gambier unrepresented for about 200 days? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr TEAGUE: In 1982, a by-election writ was issued on 17 August for a by-election in the seat of Florey, to be held on 4 September, which in that case was three sitting weeks and estimates before the general election which was held on 6 November 1982. On that occasion, the Speaker, on 11 August 1982, further advised the house of his consultation with the Premier, the Leader of the Opposition and others.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER (14:30): Members on my right will come to order. The Premier! You put forward two precedents; I put forward 19 precedents, and they are the 19 times that by-elections have not been called because of the proximity of a vacancy being created and a general election, and in two of those cases, the period of time was seven months.