Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Chief of Staff

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (14:28): Yes. Can the minister confirm: was Georgina Downer due to commence as the minister's new chief of staff?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (14:28): I thank the honourable member for her question. I couldn't think of a better candidate—a spectacular woman, a great asset to have Georgina back in South Australia. I found it a bit confusing: we want great young South Australians to come back to our great state—to go away and learn and come back and raise their family. Sadly, unfortunately, the people of Mayo didn't see it that way and didn't support Georgina.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: Point of order: on relevance. It was a very succinct and to the point supplementary, as you have previously asked for, and it goes nothing to address it.

The PRESIDENT: No; my point—my point—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Sit down. My point was the way you crafted your question. You injected into it—

The Hon. K.J. Maher interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: No. No; I'm speaking. It is not a debate. When I speak, you stay quiet. That is how it works. You have been here long enough, right? The supplementary, unlike most of yours, was crafted well and was clear. The minister has leeway, the same leeway the previous President gave to you as a minister. If he strays on too long, if it is completely off point, I will step in. Minister, get on with it.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: Thank you, Mr President: I got a bit distracted because I do rate Georgina Downer particularly highly. But I can inform the honourable member—

The PRESIDENT: Do not go down that line; answer the question.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: Georgina Downer is not going to be my new chief of staff.