House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2010-11-11 Daily Xml

Contents

PUGLIA, MINISTERIAL TRAVEL

Mr GRIFFITHS (Goyder) (14:57): My question is to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs. Was the minister accompanied or joined by Mr Manlio Longinotti, a research intern who worked for the Premier's office, on her recent trip to Puglia? If so, what expenses were incurred for his costs and who paid for these costs?

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:57): He did not accompany me, but he was a member of the mission for, I believe, one to two days. I certainly did not arrange for his presence there. I am happy to be corrected but, as I understand it—

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, member for Bragg!

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: —he is a resident of Italy. He spent—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! You asked a question; the minister can expect to be heard in silence.

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: He is very familiar with South Australia because, under another agreement that this state has with Bocconi University, which is an outstanding university in Milan, he spent three months here in South Australia working for us—working on research projects identified by us, for us, prepared a report for us—at no cost to the South Australian taxpayer, and these internships occur on a rolling basis.

Anyway, I understand that the arrangements for Mr Longinotti were that his fare was paid, I think, from Sardinia to Puglia and two nights' accommodation were paid for him as well. He does not work for me, he does not work for the South Australian government, there is no contract, as I understand it. I am happy to check those facts and bring back an absolute answer, but I think that is pretty much the scenario.