South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:03): My question is to the Assistant Minister to the Premier regarding multicultural affairs. Given the Treasurer's attempt to protect the assistant minister during question time today and yesterday, is the assistant minister confident that she retains the confidence of her colleagues to do the job? Has the assistant minister been advised not to answer questions about SAMEAC in this place due to any investigations into SAMEAC appointments?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (15:04): I am confident that I speak on behalf of the Premier and all of my colleagues that the assistant minister has the absolute confidence not only of myself but all of my parliamentary colleagues. She is a magnificent assistant minister. She does an outstanding job, and it is recognised by all and sundry—all of those groups and individuals she has worked with not only as assistant minister but for many years prior to that.

So the answer to the question is yes, she does retain the confidence. She doesn't have to put a point of view. I can speak on behalf of her colleagues and the Premier. She does retain our confidence in relation—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! The Hon. Dr Centofanti.