CHINA DELEGATION

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (15:11): Did South Australian taxpayers pay for any of the winemakers' travel and accommodation while visiting Hong Kong?

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) (15:11): I understand that these questions were also asked in the finance committee, so obviously he doesn't bother to listen. It begs the question: why bother wasting our officials' time attending these committee meetings when we waste taxpayers' money back here in this chamber?

As indicated, the South Australian government covered the costs of three of the winemakers' airfares. I'm not sure about accommodation, but I understand that we picked up the airfares—that was around about $7,500, I understand—and they were the costs that were covered. The Crown covered the costs of the dinner. They hosted that event, so there were no costs incurred there.