Euronaval

Mr COWDREY (Colton) (14:41): My question is to the Premier. Can the Premier update the house on his planned trip to the Euronaval and the benefits it will bring to this state?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:42): I am looking forward to joining South Australia's largest ever—

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: Point of order, sir: that is a hypothetical question.

The SPEAKER: A hypothetical question. Could I have the question again, please? I will listen to it.

Mr COWDREY: To the Premier: can the Premier update the house on his planned trip to the Euronaval and the benefits it may bring to the state?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The Premier has the call. The member for Light is warned.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: There was a time when that would have been a bogus point of order—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The Premier has the call.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —and the member would be thrust from the chamber, but you are a benevolent and generous Speaker, and that's why you are loved throughout South Australia, sir. Clearly, again, I reiterate my former answer: they have run out of questions. They are now trying to run down the clock—

The SPEAKER: Premier, please get on with it.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —by putting up bogus points of order.

The SPEAKER: Premier, please get on with the answer—please.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: Thank you, sir. I am looking forward to joining South Australia's largest ever contingent of the local defence—

The Hon. S.K. Knoll: His vest is cutting off blood supply to his head.

The SPEAKER: The Minister for Infrastructure is warned.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —industry at this year's international maritime trade show, Euronaval. This is held every second year. It is the leading trade show for both naval defence and maritime technologies. This year, it is envisaged that 30,000 trade visitors and 90 high-level delegations from 70 countries will be present. I am very pleased that we have a large contingent going from South Australia—18 South Australian firms—and also our local universities and other educational institutions.

I am particularly pleased to report to the house that the Leader of the Opposition will also be attending. I personally believe it is absolutely crucial that we present a very united front from South Australia to really capture the excellent opportunities that exist for our state going into the future. I was personally delighted when the Leader of the Opposition announced that he would be the shadow minister for defence and space in South Australia. This shows a level of sophistication we haven't seen from the Labor Party for some time.

There was a period over the previous four years when this portfolio became a partisan portfolio; this was a step backwards. Let's not forget it was actually the Labor Party that introduced Defence SA, and they did that for very good reason. It was supported by the Liberal opposition at the time because we need to work in a bipartisan way to deliver on the enormous opportunities for South Australia, not only with the current federal contracts for offshore patrol vessels, future frigates and future submarines but for other great opportunities that are heading our way.