PUBLIC ADVOCATE

The Hon. R.D. LAWSON (15:09): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government, representing the Attorney-General, questions about the Public Advocate.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.D. LAWSON: The Public Advocate is a position established under the Guardianship and Administration Act of this state, and the Public Advocate performs very valuable public functions. Until February of this year the position had been held by Mr John Harley with great energy and distinction over a period of some nine years.

On 18 July this year the Attorney-General announced the appointment of Dr John Brayley as Public Advocate for the next five years. Dr Brayley is described as a senior lecturer in psychiatry at Flinders University, a consultant for health services in South Australia, formerly the director of mental health in South Australia's Department of Health, the chief adviser in psychiatry to the mental health minister and an adviser to the Social Inclusion Board. My questions to the minister are:

1. Was the position of Public Advocate advertised and, if so, when and in what publications?

2. How many persons applied for the position?

3. What was the process of selection?

4. What is the value of Dr Brayley's salary package?

5. What was the value of the salary package which Mr Harley enjoyed during his final year?

6. Is Dr Brayley's appointment a full-time or a part-time appointment?

7. Will he continue as a lecturer in psychiatry at Flinders University and as an adviser to the Social Inclusion Board?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (15:11): By reading out that CV, the Hon. Robert Lawson has indicated just how well qualified for this position Dr Brayley is. In relation to those details, I will refer that to the Attorney-General and bring back a reply.