One Community

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:34): To the Premier: as evidence was given to the Auditor-General that the drive for the One Community campaign came from the Premier's office rather than his department, will he admit that his office is responsible for the improper use of the $750,000?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier, Minister for the Arts) (14:34): The impetus did come from our office. In fact, in this very building, in the Balcony Room, in front of all the assembled media, in the presence of a series of non-government organisations, we announced the establishment of the Federal Cuts Hurt task force after the 2014 Hockey-Abbott budget. We said to everybody, including the media, that we would be spending public money to campaign against these cuts because they were dramatic cuts to our health and education system and they struck at the heart of commonwealth-state relations, agreements reached between two levels of governments.

We were standing up for the integrity of agreement-making within the federation and also the wellbeing of our citizens. It's when you stand up and campaign, just like we did on Holdens, just like we did on submarines, just like we did on health cuts, just like we did on education cuts, that's the only language these people understand when you stand up and you fight for your state. I know you want to make excuses for your mates in Canberra, but we're going to hold them to account.

Mr Pisoni: Mugabe would be so proud.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I ask that the member for Unley withdraw that unreservedly.

The SPEAKER: The member for Unley interjected that Mugabe would be so proud. Is he minded to withdraw that?

Mr PISONI: Certainly, sir. I would be happy to withdraw.

The SPEAKER: Thank you. The deputy leader.