TAFE SA

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (14:35): By way of further supplementary; sorry to prolong things. Could the minister take on notice whether she has or has not received advice? Does the crown law advice, that she does not know whether or not she has received, advise that TAFE SA could be open to legal action by private competitors or competitors in the VET market for damages as a result of anti-competitive practices?

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) (14:35): I have answered both those questions very clearly, and again they are misleading and dishonest in this place. I did not say that I did not know: I said that it was completely inappropriate for me to comment on what advice I do or do not get. This is how they misconstrue and mislead, and it is a dishonest activity. I have indicated that I receive a great deal of information from a wide range of sources in making a decision. I have indicated that if the Hon. David Ridgway has any information about inappropriate activity that TAFE is participating in, let him bring it to me, let him show it, and not sit there putting down and bagging TAFE SA. If he really has an issue of concern, why has he not brought it to me?

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway: I just did.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Here in question time! How dishonest is that? If he really has a concern, as I said, let him bring that information to me and make me aware of it.