Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, First Session (53-1)
2014-09-18 Daily Xml

Contents

Holmes, Mr Allan

The Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE (15:04): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Environment and other portfolio areas a question about his portfolio.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE: Following up on a question that I did not get an answer to this week, and based on the transparency of the Adelaide Crows whereby yesterday when push came to shove and their coach was removed from his position, the transparency was immediately in the media saying that the coach would receive a payout of over a million dollars. Interestingly enough that coach had his contract re-signed in just December last year at about the same time that Mr Allan Holmes had his contract re-signed, possibly to upset a potential Liberal government coming in whereby they would be contracted.

Subsequent to the government remaining in office, we are now advised that, one way or another, company has parted between the CEO of DEWNR and the minister and the organisation. Therefore, on behalf of the taxpayers of South Australia, I simply ask the minister: can he tell us how much money the taxpayers will be paying out as Mr Holmes departs the position after being shoved out of it?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:06): I am not responsible to this house or this parliament for any employment activities of the Adelaide Crows. The honourable member might think my powers extend that far, but they do not. In relation to the allegations and opinions of the honourable member, all I can say is that I will treat them with the respect that they deserve. This question has already been asked in this place by I think the Hon. Michelle Lensink either yesterday—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: Well, it is so edifying in here, it is very hard to remember what happens in this place, I must tell you.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: With the gross opinions and the assertions that are made without any substantiation or evidence, why would you try to remember what happens in this chamber from time to time? I have undertaken to respond the Hon. Michelle Lensink's requests, and the honourable member will get the answers when she does.

The PRESIDENT: The honourable and gallant Mr McLachlan.