Kangaroo Island Commissioner

The Hon. L.W.K. BIGNELL (Mawson) (15:04): Again, my question is to the Premier. Why did the Premier break his commitment to consult with the Kangaroo Island Industry and Brand Alliance before repealing the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island act and defunding the Office of the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island? With your leave and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. L.W.K. BIGNELL: In a letter dated 5 November 2018, the Kangaroo Island Industry and Brand Alliance says:

He (Premier Marshall) made a commitment at that time to consult further with the Island's industry associations before proceeding. However, no such discussion has taken place.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (15:05): On this issue, I don't think we could be any clearer. We are very committed to Kangaroo Island. We think it's an incredibly productive part of our state, but the reality is that we made our position extraordinarily clear regarding the KI commissioner from the time that the legislation was introduced to the house. Those opposite—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, members on my left!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —had no faith whatsoever in these local groups and in the local council to the point that they had to appoint their own commissioner. What is the logical extrapolation from their policy? Are we going to have—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —a commissioner for Port Adelaide because the local member isn't doing her job? I don't know. Are we going to have a commissioner for Port Pirie? The reality is that we will work with local councils, local members of parliament and the existing infrastructure that exists within those local communities. I don't think anybody in this parliament can doubt our resolve and our interest in regional South Australia. The commissioner role might have suited some parties in this parliament but it doesn't suit us. We made it very clear right from the beginning.