Disability Services

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:41): Supplementary arising from the original answer that referred to supported accommodation services: can the minister outline if she is aware whether Minda, or Minda through Business SA, held meetings prior to the election to lobby for the outcome that is now being delivered in terms of privatisation of these services?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (14:41): I think I have responded to this question previously. I haven't had any discussions with Business SA about this issue.

The Hon. K.J. Maher: Are you aware of any?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: Well, that would be hearsay.

The Hon. K.J. Maher interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Can the minister not engage with the Leader of the Opposition. Can the Leader of the Opposition not give a series of questions informally to the minister while the minister is trying to answer? It is unfair and discourteous to every other member in this chamber, including your President. Minister.

The Hon. K.J. Maher interjecting:

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway: He instantly defies you!

The PRESIDENT: If I need advice, the Hon. Mr Ridgway, I will take it maybe from those—like maybe a previous president, in his wisdom.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Minister.

The Hon. K.J. Maher interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Minister.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: I am just trying to remember what the question was—

The Hon. K.J. Maher interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: You asked a serious question, Leader of the Opposition. Allow the minister to actually answer it.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: And there has been so much banter going on—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: It was an eminently forgettable question. In relation to Business SA, I mean, really, some of the questions that we get display some lack of understanding of the ministerial code of conduct.

The PRESIDENT: Don't debate the question.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: I am sorry, Mr President. According to the ministerial code, if I can just provide some background, ministers are required to make decisions—and I am paraphrasing, obviously—based on having as many facts as possible. Facts are what I rely on. I do know that Business SA has got some sort of group, but I have not met with them; I have not met with them. So—

The PRESIDENT: Briefly, minister.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: Yes, Mr President. I have not met with Business SA about this matter. I have met with them on other areas in other portfolio spaces. I am not quite sure what the honourable member is getting at, but nice try.