House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-10-27 Daily Xml

Contents

Question Time

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN JOCKEY CLUB

Mrs REDMOND (Heysen—Leader of the Opposition) (14:28): My question is to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Given the minister's current statements about Mr Steve Ploubidis, can he explain why he had such a close working relationship to the extent that Mr Ploubidis was consulting with his office on confidential recommendations regarding the South Australian Jockey Club and the Bentley report?

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee—Minister for Police, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:28): I would not say that I had a close working relationship with Mr Ploubidis at all. Obviously, as the racing minister, working with the chief executive officer of the SAJC, there would be a relationship. I would meet with him occasionally. If I went to the races, of course I would be in contact with him.

What I denied on Friday, and what I repeat for the house again today, is that Mr Ploubidis has made some allegations about me in regard to my knowing about vote stacking at the SAJC. I deny that. I repeat my denial. Why on earth would Mr Ploubidis want to brag to the minister—any minister for that matter—that he was involved in vote stacking? For me to have any knowledge of any impropriety at all is false.