XENOPHON, HON. N.

The Hon. R.D. LAWSON (14:27): Is it true that there is absolutely no constitutional impediment to the calling of an assembly next week and the election of a successor to Mr Xenophon?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (14:28): The question is: how should one do it? The other point is that members opposite are suggesting that, if you leave this place, you can pick your successor. Does that mean that, if the Hon. Rob Lucas finally retires, although it may not be for another 10 or 20 years, he would have the right to pick his successor and say that somebody next on the list he was elected from should be elected? Will that happen? I do not think so. The only people where the right of succession is determined is the royal family, as I understand it, but as far as this parliament is concerned there are constitutional procedures. This government understands the situation in relation to the Hon. Nick Xenophon, that he was elected on a certain platform with a certain ticket, and obviously those views will be taken into consideration, but it is important that the replacement properly reflects the wishes of the voters of this state and that the provisions of the Constitution reflect that.

The PRESIDENT: Certain things must be agreed upon, done and gazetted. Having received the Hon. Mr Xenophon's resignation only on Monday, which is two days ago—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Certain issues must be seen to, and the Clerk of the Legislative Council has been working on some of those matters and consulting with me and will it will take some time, but it will be done as soon as everything is in order.