JusticeNet SA

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright) (14:22): My question is to the Attorney-General. Can the Attorney update the house on the 2016 Walk for Justice in support of JusticeNet SA?

The SPEAKER: Is the Attorney able to update us?

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice Reform, Minister for Planning, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Child Protection Reform, Minister for the Public Sector, Minister for Consumer and Business Services, Minister for the City of Adelaide) (14:23): Yes, I am, and I thank the honourable member for her question. Yes, I was very happy, actually, to participate in the walk this week. It means getting up quite early in the morning—in fact, I was up before some opposite were. The walk commenced at 7.30 from the outside of the University of Adelaide Law School, and there was a magnificent scene as 600 brightly-coloured purple T-shirts were worn by people participating in the walk who assembled there.

They were treated to a brief speech by me, after which they headed off—and I, even though dressed in civilian clothes, was amongst them. I can tell people that the weather this year was much better than last year because it drizzled for the whole morning last year, but this year it was lovely weather.

The SPEAKER: Did you rouse them?

The Hon. J.R. RAU: Yes, I did. I set up a reasonable pace. I was at the rear of the vanguard, of the people at the back, until we reached Parliament House, at which time I had to come here to a meeting, so I completed 90 per cent of the course. The really important thing though is that the walk, so far, has raised $46,000, which looks like eclipsing the fundraising effort from last year, which is very good. I sincerely thank all of those who participated in the walk, for their enthusiasm in being up and dressed in their activewear so early in the morning.

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The Hon. J.R. RAU: Not me.

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The Hon. J.R. RAU: Were you in activewear?

An honourable member: Serving breakfast.

The Hon. J.R. RAU: I never got to the breakfast because I had to come here, but anyway—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.R. RAU: This is important information, please. The walk took a five-kilometre route past the Botanic Gardens, Adelaide Oval and across the footbridge, through the Riverbank Precinct, at which point I, as I said, joined my comrades in Parliament House. Many prominent people from the legal profession participated, including the heads of all the jurisdictions. I think the deputy leader was there and there were many others.

JusticeNet provides essential legal services to vulnerable South Australians. I would like to acknowledge, and I think the deputy leader would agree with this, the very important effort on the part of the legal profession in South Australia by way of their donation of pro bono work. That is very significantly appreciated in relation to this. This is very important work, particularly at a time when our community legal centres are subject to drastic cuts by the federal government. There are some very difficult adjustments indeed ahead required there.

JusticeNet is to be commended for taking an innovative and forward-thinking approach to the provision of legal services. I would like in particular to mention Mr Tim Graham, the executive director of JusticeNet, who is to be commended for establishing and promoting JusticeNet, which has assisted many vulnerable South Australians.