Question Time

Democratic Integrity

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:22): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing questions to the Attorney-General regarding democratic integrity.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: Noting the Attorney-General's comments yesterday that the matter regarding a decision of the District Court in the case against immediate prior Labor Party member Councillor Jing Li is still awaiting a sentencing outcome, my general questions to the Attorney-General are:

1. Is the Attorney-General concerned about electoral integrity more broadly?

2. Has the Attorney-General spoken to the Electoral Commission of South Australia about what measures should be undertaken to ensure electoral integrity?

3. Is the Attorney-General concerned about future elections, given how easily this incident seemed to occur and how long it took to prosecute?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:22): I thank the honourable member for her question. We have traversed this previously but I suspect the honourable member has forgotten that it is not the Attorney-General who is responsible for the conduct of local government elections, but it is in fact the local government minister, but I am happy to continue the education of the Leader of the Opposition for her benefit just in case she ever finds herself in government—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: —and can understand—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: —ministerial responsibility and who acts are committed to. I am always trying to be helpful to my colleagues on the opposite side.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: I think what recent proceedings have shown is that the checks and balances in our democratic system work. The fact that something has been able to be agitated in court and had a process that has come through shows—unlike a lot of other places in the world—we have a robust democratic system in Australia. I think we can be very proud and pleased with how our democratic system works, particularly in South Australia but in Australia generally. I think the fact that people have had concerns, that they have had a place to agitate those concerns and a decision has been made shows exactly how robust our democratic system is. In relation to any reforms or any suggestions that may be made, I am sure the Electoral Commission will take those into account and the minister responsible will consider them.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! The Hon. Mr Wortley, it is not your question.