SA opposition leader Martin Hamilton-Smith accuses Kevin Foley of corruption

CHAOTIC scenes have erupted in the South Australian parliament after opposition leader Martin Hamilton-Smith appeared to accuse Treasurer Kevin Foley of having been charged with corruption by police.

The major blunder by the Liberal leader, who has been under intense pressure since late April over the fake documents affair, came during his formal budget reply speech to the state parliament.

In an unusual move, Premier Mike Rann and Mr Foley had joined just two other Labor MPs in the House for the opposition leader's address.

Mr Foley constantly interjected, describing statements made by Mr Hamilton-Smith as "wrong", and repeatedly calling out "dodgy man", in reference to the use of fake documents by the opposition which has led to a raft of defamation claims by senior ALP figures, including the premier.

He also pointed out that deputy leader Vickie Chapman was absent from the house during his budget reply speech, saying "where's Vickie? She's off counting (for a leadership spill)".

Mr Hamilton-Smith then dropped a clanger.

"When we get up and have a go, they get all hurt, they get all frisky,'' Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

"You know what Treasurer? Not a single member of the opposition or their staff have been charged by the police with corruption, like you."

Mr Foley asked the speaker that "I ask that he (Mr Hamilton-Smith) withdraw immediately that I have been charged with corruption. That is a misleading statement."

The speaker asked the opposition leader to withdraw, but Mr Hamilton-Smith insisted he was referring to the Rann government and not the Treasurer.

"Mr Speaker, no member of government has been charged with corruption," Mr Foley said. "The accusation is unparliamentary and untrue."

After being asked a second time by the speaker to withdraw the remarks, Mr Hamilton-Smith said: "If there was any suggestion I was referring to a member of parliament I am happy to withdraw that.''

"If you are going to let him (Foley) interject, then he's going to get something back, alright?'' Mr Hamilton-Smith said.