BURNSIDE COUNCIL

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (15:43): My question is to the Minister for State/Local Government Relations regarding the Burnside council case before the Full Court. Given that one of the former Burnside councillors is also a senior sergeant of police, does the minister know whether the Police Commissioner received a draft copy of the MacPherson report and, if so, can the minister advise what action, if any, the commissioner took based on the information contained in the report?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (15:44): I would like to make clear that all allegations of corruption have been referred to the South Australia Police Anti-Corruption Branch, even prior to this investigation. I am advised that there has never been evidence presented to the Anti-Corruption Branch that warranted further investigation. Nevertheless, if any person—and I will put this to Mr Darley—has any evidence of anything improper having occurred, they should contact the Anti-Corruption Branch.

We also have to remember that, just because an organisation is dysfunctional, it does not mean there are any criminal elements to it. We only have to look at the party room of the opposition! There is no more I can say about criminality, because I have not read the report.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The minister should refrain from exciting the opposition.