Question Time

Legislative Council President

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (14:25): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government a question about internal transparency and democracy.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: As we all heard on 6 May this year, when the Governor opened the 53^rd session of this parliament, he gave a lengthy speech. Towards the end of his speech, he made a couple of statements, which I will quote:

My Government will act so that any perception of impropriety is not hidden in the shadows—and we will deal decisively with those who have sought to benefit personally from corrupt practices.

He goes on to say:

To strengthen our democracy, all political parties must…ensure that their internal processes are transparent and democratic.

In response to that address, we have the Address in Reply, as you know, Mr President, and I would like to quote from the Hon. John Gazzola's contribution, where he said:

I read in the media that to replace me as the president was part of a complex factional deal. I am still awaiting some explanation about why I had to stand down other than the right's dominant numbers within the party. Neither I, nor members of the left faction, have had any explanation or consultation about this alleged complex factional deal. This is of some concern to members of the faction and many members of the ALP as they await to see the details of the deal with the right and how it may impact on MPs careers and…future preselections.

In my situation there was no consultation, no discussion, no negotiation and no ham and pineapple pizza.

He went on further in his contribution to say:

Sir, normally I would congratulate you on becoming the President of the Legislative Council. Given the circumstances and by the mere fact that you became the President through a secret factional deal it is difficult for me to wish you well in your role.

My question is: consistent with the Governor's speech, to ensure that the internal practices and processes are transparent and democratic, will the minister and Leader of the Government now lift the veil of secrecy on the factional deal that saw you, the Hon. Russell Wortley, elected President of the Legislative Council?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (14:27): I thank the member for his question. Again, we see evidence of the opposition having to resort to stooping to some of the lowest levels we have ever seen in history. We see them come into this place time and time again cowering in this place under the protection of privilege.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: We see the opposition come in here time and time again with muckraking, bringing incorrect information time and time again and misinformation time and time again.

The PRESIDENT: Will the opposition allow the minister to give an answer!

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: They have become notorious at coming into this place and besmirching and destroying the reputation of good people.

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway: What about the secrecy? What about 'open and transparent'?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: This government is indeed open and transparent. We are a government that has always governed in the best interests of South Australians, and we have always governed in an open and transparent way.