SA Progressive Business Annual Cabinet Exchange Forum

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (14:36): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question without notice to the Attorney-General on the topic of the South Australian Progressive Business event.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS:The Advertiser reported yesterday that the entire state cabinet and federal Labor ministers from South Australia will attend a $500 per head forum hosted by SA Progressive Business. The event includes scheduled policy briefings from the Hon. Mark Butler MP, the Hon. Senator Don Farrell, the Hon. Senator Penny Wong, the Hon. Nick Champion MP and the Hon. Stephen Mullighan MP. According to The Advertiser, the invitation states that each minister and MP will have a set station and guests will be encouraged to circulate throughout the room engaging in dynamic one-on-one discussions. There will also be closed room policy briefings with some ministers.

Over the last 15 years, I understand that SA Progressive Business has donated over $3 million to the South Australian branch of the Labor Party. My questions to the Attorney-General therefore are:

1. Is the Attorney-General attending the SA Progressive Business Cabinet Exchange Forum?

2. What information will he be providing as part of these dynamic one-on-one policy discussions?

3. In the spirit of transparency, will he commit to disclosing any policy information that he provides at this event to the parliament?

4. Will the minister advise where this secret event is being held?

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! Too much chirping.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:38): I thank the honourable member for continuing the trend and directing a question my way; it is much appreciated. First question: am I attending? Yes, I think from looking at my diary for the rest of this week I am attending on Friday, as I think all cabinet ministers are. I think the next question was: what one-one-one policy briefings am I involved with? I am not aware of what briefings I have yet, but that will be something I will look at if I have any of those booked in. Will I disclose every private meeting I have with anyone to this parliament, including these ones? No, I won't.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! The Hon. Mr Simms has a supplementary question arising from the answer.

The Hon. H.M. Girolamo interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Ms Girolamo!