Unemployment Figures

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:46): My question is to the Premier. Will the government reverse its current position which effectively increases the payroll tax on small business in seven months' time?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (14:46): Can I say that—and this is a curious question—if we are talking about immediate stimulus, I don't know why the leader would be talking about a budget measure which is presumably something that will be discussed in the next budget.

Mr Gardner interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Morialta is warned.

Mr Marshall interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Well, this is a payroll tax reduction that I introduced when I was treasurer. It's been continued for the last three years. It means—

Mr Marshall: Has somebody told you that?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: It amounts to a payroll tax regime—

The SPEAKER: The leader is warned for the second and final time.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: It amounts to a payroll tax regime that makes South Australia have the lowest payroll tax take in the nation.

Ms Sanderson interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Adelaide is called to order.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: So, the member for Adelaide says it's not working, so perhaps we should return to the previous regime. Is that what she's suggesting?

Mr Gardner interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Morialta is warned for the second and final time.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: So, we have the lowest payroll tax regime in the nation. It's something I thought those opposite would welcome, not criticise. I note that the Leader of the Opposition suggests that in the next budget it should be continued. Well, that's a matter obviously for our next state budget and we will give that consideration. I don't understand how it fits into the category of immediate steps to ensure that the South Australian economy responds to its present circumstances, but the immediate steps that we will be taking will be outlined in the Mid-Year Budget Review which will be revealed shortly.