Council Amalgamations

The Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO (14:50): Supplementary: just following on from—

The PRESIDENT: Just ask the supplementary question.

The Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO: —around the plebiscite, how much did the plebiscite cost and was there value for money for the South Australian taxpayers?

The PRESIDENT: Minister, I am not sure how that comes from the original answer, but you are on your feet so let's briefly do this before we move on.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:51): I am happy to answer the question. I think from memory it was approximately $10,000, and it was able to be such a modest amount because it was included with the local government elections. As I am acting minister, I am happy to go back to the office and have that checked, but I am fairly confident that was the figure.

The Hon. K.J. Maher: The member for Bragg cost $500,000 or $600,000.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: How much was it?

The Hon. K.J. Maher: Over half a million.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: The honourable member asked whether it was value for money. I think to hear from the local community, to be able to answer in the future anyone who raises the topic of wanting to look at amalgamations to say, 'The community has spoken,' $10,000 is a very modest cost for democracy.