Question Time

GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (15:00): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council a question about government buildings.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: As members would be aware, the Hon. Bernard Finnigan resigned as leader of the government in the Legislative Council and as a minister earlier this year. Members would also be aware that MPs and ministers often open government buildings in their electorates or in their portfolios. I am advised that the Hon. Bernard Finnigan opened a building at a primary school in Mount Gambier since becoming a member of the Legislative Council in May 2006. A commemorative plaque inscribed with his name was displayed to mark the opening.

I am further advised that the plaque on this building has been removed since the Hon. Bernard Finnigan resigned. My question to the minister is: is it government policy to remove plaques from all buildings opened by the Hon. Bernard Finnigan and, if not, why was this plaque removed from the Mount Gambier primary school?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling) (15:01): I thank the honourable member for his question. I am not aware of this plaque being removed, let alone any reason for it being removed. I am not familiar with any particular policy that we have around plaque removal, but I would be very happy to check whether we do in fact have any government policy or procedures around these matters, and I am happy to look into the missing and elusive plaque from the Mount Gambier primary school.