Question Time

South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:17): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Assistant Minister to the Premier regarding multicultural affairs.

Leave granted.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: The government published an advertisement on 7 May seeking applications for a new SAMEAC board and members. The ad stated, 'We are seeking to fill 15 positions on the commission.' This ad was issued without knowing what the composition of the board will be under legislation that is before another place. The legislation before another place in schedule 1 of the multicultural bill states:

The South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission is dissolved on the day on which clause 2 of this Schedule comes into operation.

My questions to the assistant minister are:

1. Can the assistant minister confirm whether the intention is to appoint the new members of SAMEAC under the current or the proposed new legislation?

2. Exactly what is the process to address any membership of SAMEAC that is not consistent with the new legislation, should it pass?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:19): I indicated yesterday the government's response—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: —to this particular set of questions.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order, on both sides!

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: The government will be nimble, agile, flexible and will respond to circumstances as they roll out in the parliament. I have nothing on behalf of the government to add to the comprehensive answers I provided yesterday to exactly the same questions—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: —that were asked by the Hon. Mr Wortley.