‘Stooped to new low’: SA Premier Steven Marshall seethes in response to radio host

Premier Steven Marshall reacted with fury during an interview on ABC Radio, telling presenter David Bevan he had “stooped to a new low” for asking a “grubby” question. Hear the audio.

South Australia’s Premier has hit back at a radio presenter on-air, telling him his “grubby” question about the Attorney-General “stooped to a new low”.

Liberal leader Steven Marshall spoke on ABC Radio Adelaide on Wednesday morning and was questioned about a parliamentary inquiry into Attorney-General and Planning Minister Vickie Chapman over a proposed development on Kangaroo Island, where her family owns property.

She rejected a $40m timber port there in August and the inquiry will investigate if she failed to report or disclose any financial interest or breached the ministerial code of conduct.

Premier Steven Marshall slammed a radio presenter after being asked a ‘grubby’ question about Attorney-General Vickie Chapman. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Brenton Edwards

During the 10-minute radio interview, David Bevan asked the Premier if Ms Chapman was involved in a recent transfer of land relating to the estate of a deceased family member on Kangaroo Island – a question raised in parliament.

But Mr Marshall was quick to respond: “I’m not going to get into that grubby question. That’s beneath you to ask that question, David Bevan.

“I will not be providing an answer. I think you have stooped to a new low and I think that question is outrageous.

“I think you raised a very sensitive issue for the Deputy Premier (Ms Chapman) where a family member was involved and I think you should reflect on the type of questions you’re asking.”

The Premier told presenter David Bevan that he had ‘stooped to a new low’. Picture: AAP Image/ Morgan Sette

Mr Marshall said parliament shouldn’t be looking into the matter but chose not to elaborate why during the interview.

He also said he didn’t ask Ms Chapman how she would deal with what could be perceived as a conflict of interest because he had “full confidence” in her abilities.

Mr Marshall dubbed the inquiry “politically motivated” and “unprecedented”.

A committee for the inquiry was established after the Liberals lost a vote during parliament on Tuesday.

It will be chaired by opposition planning spokesperson Andrea Michaels and include Labor’s Tom Koutsantonis, independent Sam Duluk and Liberals Peter Treloar and Matt Cowdrey.

Ms Michaels said there were “serious questions” about Ms Chapman's conduct.

The committee will report back on November 18.

Originally published as ‘Stooped to new low’: SA Premier Steven Marshall seethes in response to radio host