House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-03-09 Daily Xml

Contents

YUENDUMU FAMILIES

Mrs REDMOND (Heysen—Leader of the Opposition) (14:28): My question is for the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation. Does the minister agree with acting premier Rau's remarks made last week that the Warlpiri Aboriginals camping in the Parklands should be taken to beaches at Ceduna or Streaky Bay?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers, Minister Assisting the Premier in Social Inclusion) (14:28): Before I answer that question I have to say I think it is a disgrace that I have been Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation and it has taken one year for the opposition to ask me a question in this place about Aboriginal affairs—one year.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Point of order, member for Unley.

Mr PISONI: I would have asked the minister questions, but she has asked other ministers to answer them.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! I do not know what your point of order was there. Maybe you need a personal explanation, but that was not a point of order. Minister, I am sure you are answering the question now.

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: There were matters reported—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: —in the press. There was a meeting referred to in the press.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: Thank you for your protection, Madam Speaker. I, nor any people from my office, were present at the meeting. I am not in a position to comment.