Ministerial Statement

General Motors Holden

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier, Minister for the Arts) (14:51): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Tomorrow is a significant day in the life of South Australia as General Motors Holden closes its doors, marking the end of car making in Australia. While it will be a difficult day for the northern suburbs and for the supply chain companies across South Australia, I can guarantee that, when the last car rolls off the Holden line tomorrow, workers will be able to hold their heads high. Like the countless Holdens that have rolled off the GM line over the past 60 years, the last Holden will be built to the highest standard by highly skilled South Australians.

Only last week, when listening to Holden workers on the factory floor, I felt a sense of pride behind the stories of the hundreds of remaining workers. Their contribution to our economy and, more importantly, to our history will not be forgotten. Holden's closure could and should have been avoided. It did not have to end this way. South Australians will never forget how the Liberal Party turned their backs on this industry, on these workers, on their families and on the northern suburbs.

Members interjecting:

Ms CHAPMAN: I move that the Premier's leave be withdrawn.

The SPEAKER: One does not move that it be withdrawn. Continue, Premier. You do not move that it be withdrawn. Premier.

Mr GARDNER: Sir, I withdraw my leave.

The SPEAKER: Yes, that is the formulation.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Deputy Premier. I call the anaesthetist.

The Hon. J.R. RAU: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I have often wondered, Mr Speaker, is it anaesthetist or anaesthesiologist?

The SPEAKER: I rule that it is the former.

The Hon. J.R. RAU: Thank you, that would help me greatly.