Overseas Investment

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:29): A supplementary arising from the answer that was just given: the wine deal that the minister talked about, is it the minister's contention that that would never have happened if it was not personally for his involvement?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (14:30): I met with the representatives. As I said earlier, if the honourable member had been listening and not yelling and screaming, when I met with the Infinitus group they said to me, 'Do you do wine in South Australia?' I said, 'Matter of fact we do; why don't you come down here and have a look?'

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: They had an interest, and in particular I said that we actually produce 80 per cent of the nation's premium wine, and what could we do in South Australia? I said, 'Come down and we'll arrange some appointments.' The appointments were arranged, and look what happened—the biggest single order ever in the history of this state. Mr President, they think it is a joke. Well, that is why they are not in government. We actually like to grow our economy—they are the joke.