RACING INDUSTRY

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (14:45): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government a question about lobbyists.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: Members may be aware of a discussion on 891 ABC Radio on 27 March regarding large payments (evidently in excess of $130,000) made by the SAJC to Mr Nick Bolkus to lobby the government on behalf of the SAJC with regard to the sale of Cheltenham Park Racecourse. Members will also know that there was another discussion on 891 ABC on 2 April about Mr Bolkus being paid a further $35,000 by Thoroughbred Racing South Australia, having been tasked with lobbying the state government for taxation relief for their industry.

It is well known that Thoroughbred Racing South Australia Chairman, Mr Phillip Bentley, is a good friend of the Premier and the racing minister, the Hon. Mr Wright. Let us not forget that Mr Bentley himself was evidently paid well in excess of $100,000 by this government to write a report on the racing industry. Surely, if anyone is well placed to lobby the racing minister for tax relief, it is Mr Bentley. He would no doubt have the mobile numbers of the Premier and the racing minister on speed dial. My questions to the leader are:

1. Why would Thoroughbred Racing South Australia need to pay such funds to a lobbyist when long-time Labor mate, Mr Bentley, is at the helm?

2. Is it possible to get any project up or any dialogue with the government done in this state without Mr Bolkus's involvement?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (14:46): Obviously, the answer to that question is that the honourable member will have to ask the TRSA. It is not a part of government, so how would I know?

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: Gutless? The question I was asked was about why TRSA would do something. The only way to find out is to ask TRSA, because I do not know. TRSA is not a government body; it does not report to a minister. The people on that board are not elected by government, nor is the board of the SAJC, as far as I am aware, so really it is up to them as to whom they choose and how they spend their money.