Emergency Services Levy

Mr GRIFFITHS (Goyder) (14:46): My question is also to the Treasurer. Treasurer, a constituent has discussed with me today, indeed, that their ESL—to illustrate the increase in the liability that's been attached to it—has gone from $136.50 to $1,137.05. Does the Treasurer accept that this is an increase of 733 per cent?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (14:46): If, indeed, those numbers you have quoted to the parliament are accurate, that would mean that the capital value of the land being assessed is in excess of $10 million.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Members opposite say, 'So, what?' The formula calculating these increases is based on a formula that you introduced. It's your formula.

The SPEAKER: No, no—

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Sorry, Mr Speaker; I apologise.

The SPEAKER: Although I voted for the formula—

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Not yours, sir.

The SPEAKER: Although I voted for the formula, you are not referring to me.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: No, sir. You were here, and I understand, sir, you fought the good fight and voted against the introduction of the emergency services levy. But the formula that calculates the emergency services levy applicable to that piece of land, indeed, is a formulation determined by the Olsen government. For the opposition today to be coming into this place saying it is unfair that this calculation takes place, perhaps they should consider, those of you who were staffers during that period—looking at you, member for Kavel—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: All the Leader of the Opposition needs to do is stand up in this place, or publicly, and say, if he is elected, he will reverse the increases; thus far, he hasn't said that. Secondly, all he needs to do is call his close personal friend the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister has such admiration for him that he came out during the campaign.

I want to personally thank you for that close relationship you have with the Prime Minister and bringing him out here during the campaign. It was very effective. There was great penetration to the media market when he turned up. Everyone was in no doubt about how close you and the Prime Minister were. It was a great piece of tactical advice to bring the Prime Minister down. Perhaps if the Leader of the Opposition asked the Prime Minister, in the same vein as coming down to Adelaide to help campaign for you, to reverse his cuts to pensioners—

The SPEAKER: Point of order, member for Morialta.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: —hospitals—

Mr GARDNER: For revisiting the same ground on 98.

The SPEAKER: I uphold the point of order. Member for Davenport.