Question Time

City of Port Adelaide Enfield

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (14:21): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government about the capability of her Legislative Council colleagues.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: This morning it was reported in The Advertiser that the tourism minister, Hon. Leon Bignell, had branded the Port Adelaide Enfield council as 'lazy'. He was speaking particularly about the developments in the tourism space over his time as minister. He had been minister since January 2013. I note that the Hon. Gail Gago, as Leader of the Government—her colleague, Hon. Tung Ngo, served on that council for approximately half of that time. I believe he resigned when the writs for the 2014 election were issued. My question to the minister is: does the minister support the comments and criticisms made by her colleague, the Minister for Tourism (Hon. Leon Bignell) this morning?

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) (14:22): I thank the honourable member for his question. I think the—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Maher.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: I believe that the Minister for Tourism (Hon. Leon Bignell) is a truly fine minister.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Truly fine. He is an incredibly capable and enthusiastic minister, and he has embraced all of his portfolios. Whatever portfolio he has been given responsibility for, he has embraced with absolute enthusiasm and dedication. He is an incredibly capable minister and he is incredibly passionate about South Australia. He is incredibly enthusiastic about promoting the assets that this state has to offer. He is renowned for his absolutely ferocious advocacy of South Australia's wine industry, for instance, our tourism industry in general, and of course racing as well. Indeed, I do support the Hon. Leon Bignell, and I do believe that he is a very fine, capable, and incredibly passionate advocate for South Australia and South Australians.

The PRESIDENT: Supplementary, Hon. Mr Ridgway.