State Debt

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (14:15): My question is to the Premier. Does the Premier still believe that $14 billion in debt is too much for the state budget?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:15): I am not 100 per cent sure what the Leader of the Opposition is referring to.

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for West Torrens is warned.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: He is probably referring to a specific point in time. There will be some times in history when $14 billion will be very significant. For example, in 101 that would have been a very large sum of money.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Playford is called to order. The member for Ramsay is also called to order. The Premier has the call.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: But we are satisfied that we have struck the right balance in terms of debt for our state, investing in jobs at a time when the national economy—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. T.J. Whetstone: Economic geniuses over there.

The SPEAKER: The Minister for Primary Industries is called to order.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Premier, please be seated for one moment.

Mr Boyer interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Wright is called to order.

The Hon. S.C. Mullighan: It's genii.

The SPEAKER: The member for Lee is called to order.

The Hon. T.J. Whetstone interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The Minister for Primary Industries is warned. The Premier has the call.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: I've finished, sir; thank you.

The SPEAKER: The Premier has completed his answer. Leader of the Opposition.