French statesman Charles de Gaulle reportedly once said, `In politics it is necessary either to betray one’s country or the electorate. I prefer to betray the electorate.’ Whilst that is a peculiar quote, I raise it today because when I was thinking about this latest budget I got a real sense of the electorate’s being…
As the opposition spokesperson for sport, recreation and racing, I wish to use my time today to raise awareness about the importance of sport and sporting organisations in our community. Last night I was pleased to attend the Sport SA general meeting; and I thank Sport SA’s CEO Jan Sutherland for the invitation. Sport SA…
I support the Address in Reply, and I join honourable members in thanking His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor for opening the second session of the 51st parliament on behalf of Her Excellency the Governor. It was an honour to be part of the sesquicentenary opening of parliament and to celebrate 150 years of responsible government in…
Today I rise to discuss the drug scandals that have recently affected AFL football. There is now a significant time-line of drug scandals in the AFL leading up to the major headline at the moment involving Ben Cousins and the West Coast Eagles. As Liberal spokesman for sport, recreation and racing, I have a keen…
I rise on behalf of the Liberal opposition to speak to this bill. The Liberal Party supports the general thrust of this measure but will be seeking some amendments. The member for Flinders and the member for Finniss have stated quite clearly the Liberal Party’s position on this legislation in the other place, so I…
I wish to use my time today to discuss an issue that is causing much angst amongst Eyre Peninsula communities, that is, the proposal to increase the NRM levy for ratepayers. There has been a groundswell of opposition from the Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association, local councils, and ratepayers in the region, and rightly so.…
The inventor Thomas Edison once made the wise comment that opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. When I reflect on this latest Rann-Foley budget, I cannot help but think how these words ring true. This is a budget of missed opportunities because the Rann government…
I rise today to speak about the issue of organ donation. It is rare to find an act of human kindness and generosity greater than that of the donation of an organ to another human being so they may continue to live. It is truly one of the most unselfish and compassionate of acts. We…
I thank Her Excellency the Governor for the speech with which she opened this parliament. I take this opportunity to pay a tribute to the dedication, the enthusiasm and the accomplishment with which Her Excellency is discharging her functions as a representative of Her Majesty the Queen. Throughout her public life Her Excellency’s achievements have…