Address in Reply 2008

I support the Address in Reply and join Honourable Members in thanking His Excellency the Governor in opening this third session of the 51st parliament. We are supportive of the Governor’s work and know that he is doing an excellent job. Now, as my colleague the Hon Caroline Schaefer pointed out in her contribution –…

Adelaide Lightning

Today I want to highlight the recent wonderful achievement of the Adelaide Lightning women’s basketball team in winning the 2007-08 WNBL championship. Last month, the Lightning defeated the Sydney Uni Flames 90-82 in the grand final at Wollongong to claim its first WNBL title in a decade. An unstoppable display from the Lightning’s Renae Camino—who,…

Victoria Park

I wish to use my time today as opposition spokesman for racing to discuss the extraordinary saga that has been the Victoria Park redevelopment proposal. Members are well aware that the newly elected Adelaide City Council has made a decision to reject a lease for the project. Let me firstly back up the comments of…

Real Estate Industry

I wish to use my time today to reflect on the arrogance and bullying tactics of the Rann government regarding upper house amendments to the recent real estate industry legislation I am very keen to put on the record my thoughts on how the government handled this bill at that time. We had a very…

Equine Influenza

Today I will discuss the equine influenza outbreak which has gripped the Australian racing industry. In August this year, Australia experienced its first outbreak of equine influenza, a highly-contagious viral disease which has crippled the Australian racing industry. At present there are confirmed cases of the virus only in New South Wales and Queensland. As…

Appropriation Bill 2007

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…