Local Government Elections

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:33): I seek leave to provide a brief explanation before asking the Attorney-General a question about the local government elections.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: Last Thursday, the Minister for Local Government in the other place made a ministerial statement regarding the recent local government elections and the issues surrounding candidates and elected members not submitting their campaign returns on time. This has caused more than 40 elected positions, including mayors, to have been declared vacant. My question to the attorney is: when was the Attorney-General made aware of this issue?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:34): I thank the honourable member for her question. From the best of my memory I was made aware when it became an issue in the media, but I'm happy to double-check and see if that's the case.