LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTERS FORUM

The Hon. S.G. WADE (14:58): By way of supplementary question, in relation to the minister's comments about the need for governments to support constitutional recognition for local government, did the South Australian government make a submission to the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government and, if so, what was the position and will he table it in the house?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (14:59): The submissions have not closed yet. I am speaking to Mr Spigelman in the next day or so. We will put in a submission. I have already stated that in principle we support financial recognition in the constitution. I do not know what is the opposition's position, but I know that Western Australia and Victoria have basically closed the door on them.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! The Hon. Mr Darley.