Adelaide Oval Price Increases

The Hon. I. PNEVMATIKOS (14:49): My question is to the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. Does the minister support the price increases for food and beverages at the Adelaide Oval announced today?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (14:49): Thank you, Mr President—

The Hon. R.P. Wortley: $6 for a Coke.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: Well, those—I thank the honourable member for her question. I'm actually not familiar with the price increases that have been announced today—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: Mr President, that is always a concern to families when attending these big sporting events at Adelaide Oval. The price of some of the hospitality can be quite cost-prohibitive, and I think that's why we see an increasing number of people packing their own lunch and taking their own drinks, which of course means that there's more gear to be inspected when they go in through the turnstiles. It is always a concern, but the price of these things—it is unfortunate.

Mr President, I know you are probably going to pull me up, but I remember that when I started school, a pie was 10¢ and one with sauce was 11¢. I wish they were still the same price today but they're not; time moves on. Unfortunately, we continually see price rises. They always seem like they are expensive. It's unfortunate. It does put pressure on families and larger groups going together, but I think that at the end of the day, the events that are put on at Adelaide Oval, it still fills. As long as the Crows and the Power play good football, or the events that are put on are spectacular world-class events, I'm sure that we will still see high patronage at those events.