DAIRY INDUSTRY

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (15:15): I have a further supplementary. Did the minister think it wasn't important enough for her to attend—

The PRESIDENT: Seeking opinion, but—

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: —the rally in Murray Bridge some fortnight ago?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (15:15): That's simply outrageous. There are many events that I attend that the Hon. David Ridgway does not attend, even though he has been invited. In fact, I've seen his name sitting on an empty chair on numerous occasions but, because I'm a professional and courteous person, I don't come into this place and put on Hansard every event the Hon. David Ridgway didn't attend.

I understand how busy members of parliament are. I know all members of parliament, whether they are ministers or backbenchers, whether they are in government or in opposition, are very busy people with many commitments. The demands on our time far exceed the time we have available. We all receive—and I understand this well myself—many more invitations than we are able to attend.

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend that, but if the Hon. David Ridgway wants to play that game, if he wants me to come into this place and give feedback about some of his activity and actions at some public events—

The PRESIDENT: We won't be going down that path.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: —including those that he doesn't attend, I am happy to share with you some of his activities at events and put those on the record.

The PRESIDENT: No, I don't want to hear that.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: So, if he wants to play that game, I'm happy to join in, but I have to date conducted myself in a highly professional and courteous way.

The PRESIDENT: Hear, hear! The Hon. Mr Kandelaars.