Legislative Council Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1) 52 1 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Question Time Burnside Council BURNSIDE COUNCIL The Hon. J.A. DARLEY Legislative Council BURNSIDE COUNCIL The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (14:56): I understand that the original cost of this investigation was estimated to be in the order of $250,000 based on a three month report. Can the minister advise what is the total cost to date? Further, can the minister give any indication as to what the likely budget will be in order to complete the report? The Hon. G.E. GAGO Legislative Council Minister for State/Local Government Relations Minister for the Status of Women Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Government Enterprises Minister for the City of Adelaide BURNSIDE COUNCIL The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for the City of Adelaide) (14:57): I am already on the public record outlining the costs associated with this matter. I made publicly available the last round of figures, and I think I even went on radio and talked about those figures. I do not have the figures with me here today but they are on the public record. However, because those opposite are such a lazy bunch, I am more than happy to bring those figures back to the council. As I said, I have been on the public record and outlined the costs. They have escalated significantly because of the extension of the investigation, and I am happy to bring those figures back. The point is that the issue is not one of cost but that we resolve any issues of concern and make sure that our councils are held publicly accountable and are required to meet public standards and public expectations. That is the point here. The issue is not one of cost but to ensure the integrity of our local councils sector.