REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT BOARDS

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (14:38): I have a supplementary question. What proportion of RDA board members in South Australia are employed as officers of the state and federal governments?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (14:39): I will have to take that on notice; I do not know. As I said, it is a process that is conducted at arm's length, and I do not have that detail. However, I will say this: thank goodness for each and every one of those people who have put themselves forward. Instead of bagging them and suggesting that somehow it is improper—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: The Hon. John Dawkins comes into this place suggesting somehow that these people have improperly put themselves forward.

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: The innuendo is there. He comes into this place and, when we have gaps where we do not have all of our positions filled, instead of congratulating those people who have put themselves forward—and it is a significant amount of work—and instead of acknowledging them, what does he do? The Hon. John Dawkins comes in here and suggests that somehow, because these people are interested, active and prepared to have a go, it is improper and that the proportions are somehow skewed and there is something improper going on. The honourable member needs to get a grip.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Ms Lensink. Moving right along.