Ministerial Cars

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (15:05): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question without notice to the Leader of the Government in this place on the topic of ministerial cars.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: In recent days, there has been extensive media coverage over the New South Wales transport minister, Jo Haylen, and her use of her ministerial car for private purposes, including a 446-kilometre trip to go to lunch with her friends in the Hunter Valley. The New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns, has responded to these claims by saying that he intends to change the rules for ministerial cars to ensure that they are only used for official business purposes. He told The Australian newspaper, 'We have to do better. Clearly the rules have been way too lax.' My question to the Attorney-General therefore is:

1. Does the minister believe South Australia's current ministerial car use guidelines are in line with community expectations?

2. Do they permit personal use and, if so, will the government commit to following New South Wales's lead in ensuring that ministerial cars can only be used for official business?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (15:06): I thank the honourable member for his question. Fleet SA and ministerial drivers come under the portfolio responsibilities of the Treasurer, but I have no information that any minister doesn't follow the guidelines properly in terms of the use of ministerial cars. I am happy to let the honourable member know that we will have a look at what they are doing in New South Wales and consider it.