Question Time

Adelaide Oval Hotel Development

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:19): My question is to the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. What role did the minister play in the Marshall Liberal government's decision to hand over $42 million to build a hotel at Adelaide Oval? In particular, my questions are:

1. When was the minister, as the Minister for Tourism, first made aware of this proposal?

2. Was the minister aware of, or involved in, discussions about this proposal at all before it came to cabinet?

3. Has the minister had any representations from other hotels, or hotel developers, about the impact on their business or investment decisions?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (14:19): I thank the honourable member for his interest in this particular issue. I think I want to get some facts. The government is not handing over $42 million. The opposition has been misguided and has been misrepresenting the facts ever since it was announced that we were 'handing over' $42 million. As we know, it is a $42 million loan, which the government and the taxpayers of South Australia will actually make some margin on, so it benefits the state in a financial sense in the long run. I think the development will benefit the state in the long run.

The iconic Adelaide Oval, as we know, is one of the few ovals that we can call around the world the home of Don Bradman, one of the world's greatest cricketers, loved by cricketers the world over. If you look at the iconic cricket grounds—the Adelaide Oval, the MCG, the SCG, the Gabba, Lord's; I could go on and list a whole range of them—this will be the only one that will have accommodation. Some of the new stadiums around the world, Wembley and others, have—

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: Point of order: whilst we appreciate the minister talking about various cricket grounds around the world, no part of the question asked about the hotel itself. The question was specifically and solely related to dates when the minister was aware of things.

The PRESIDENT: I understand what the question was, Leader of the Opposition. Minister, under Erskine May, you have considerable latitude.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: Thank you.

The PRESIDENT: However, I do expect you to keep to the question and show respect to the Leader of the Opposition.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: Thank you for your guidance, Mr President. I was distracted with the prospect of enhancing the world-famous Adelaide Oval. In relation to when I became aware, I can't recall the exact date. I would have to check notes and diaries to see if I have a record of the exact date. I was aware that there was some potential hotel development, but as I said, I don't recall when. I have had, I think, a couple of people contact my office in relation to other hotel operators, but again, I will have to check the records. There may well be some correspondence in the system that has been logged that I haven't seen as yet, but of course I will check that and if there is something I can add—before the Leader of the Opposition jumps to his feet—I will bring that back to the chamber.