Condolence

Condolences

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (14:03): On indulgence, I believe it is appropriate that we acknowledge the sadness that has touched our state in various ways in recent times. Our state—indeed, the nation—has been shocked and saddened by the death of cricketer Phil Hughes after a tragic on-field accident while playing for South Australia last week. On behalf of all members, I offer our sincere sympathies to Phil's family and friends. Phil was particularly looked up to by young South Australians who will be struggling with the loss of one of their sporting heroes, and we share the sadness of Phil's family, team mates and the broader cricketing community. I understand the minister will be saying something more about that a little later.

I also offer our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and workmates of Jorge Castillo-Riffo who was tragically killed in an industrial accident last week. Mr Castillo-Riffo was working on the construction of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. His death is a sobering reminder of the reality of workplace deaths of which there have been 12 in South Australia just this year. It is a reminder of the need for vigilance in regard to workplace safety.

Similarly, we received an unwelcome reminder of the dangers on our roads with the loss of Joshua, Jessica and Michelle Doyle, and Bev Khan, in a road accident in the state's South-East yesterday. Any road fatality hurts a community but, when four people are lost from one family, it has a devastating impact. As we approach the holiday season, we must all redouble our efforts to stay safe on our roads.

I also acknowledge the passing of one of this state's most highly regarded trailblazers for women. Mrs Heather Southcott, a former member of the House of Assembly, passed away on Friday 21 November. Heather was the first woman to lead a political party in Australia, adding yet another page to South Australia's role as a leader in the history of parliamentary representation for women.

Notably, Heather Southcott was one of the women who established the now renowned UNIFEM Breakfast, a significant national event on the women's movement calendar. As a former member of this chamber, the house will mark her passing with a condolence motion to be held at the start of question time on Thursday. Ministers will be making full tributes to Phillip Hughes, Jorge Castillo-Riffo and Heather Southcott here and in the other place.