VANCO, MR G.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (14:34): As a supplementary question, is it a 12-month contract position because Mr Vanco is a candidate for the ALP at the next state election?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (14:34): The honourable member would well know that Mr Vanco is not a candidate for the ALP. I understand that Mr Vanco did stand as a candidate, I think, in the federal seat of Sturt way back in the 1996 election. I do not believe the fact that more than a decade ago he may have stood as a Labor candidate for a federal seat should preclude him (or anyone for that matter who stood as a Liberal candidate) from a position if he has the qualities that are required.

The Hon. R.I. Lucas interjecting:

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: Well, certainly not as many as you do. The Hon. Rob Lucas interjects with a smile on his face. I am sure we could talk about some historical precedent, but I will not waste question time.