Question Time

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Leader of the Opposition) (14:13): My question is to the Treasurer. What plans does his government have to help reduce the increasing costs of buying a home in South Australia? Budget papers show that, in the six years since the government came to power, it has increased its tax take from homeowners to record levels. In 2002, the state government earned $358 million from fees, charges and stamp duties related to property transactions but, in the 2008 financial year, this figure is forecast to jump to $825 million—an increase of 130 per cent.

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY (Port Adelaide—Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Federal/State Relations) (14:14): As is the norm, I do not intend—

Mr Williams interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I warn the member for MacKillop.

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY: —to foreshadow what may or may not be in the budget, but I will say this: since coming to office, this government has successfully managed an economy that has seen record unemployment levels, record levels of business investment growth—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY: I am happy to answer the question, sir, but if the opposition is disinterested, I won't bother.