Business Confidence

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee) (14:30): My question is again to the Premier. Does the Premier believe that a 9 per cent fall in dwelling approvals over the last 12 months has improved or damaged business confidence in South Australia?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:30): We know that the economy in South Australia is moving in the right direction, but it is patchy and not every single sector is doing extraordinarily well. I note that those opposite aren't bringing up—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —sectors that we know are experiencing extraordinarily good conditions because that is not the will and the wont of those opposite. In fact, all they want to do is identify opportunities to talk down the state. This is a choice. You can continue to do this. You can continue to talk down the prospects of our state at every single opportunity, but I don't think that would benefit our state whatsoever. The reality is there are many good green shoots in South Australia. We have record employment in South Australia, record number of hours worked—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —and record amount of wages here in South Australia.

Mr Brown interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Playford can leave for the remainder of question time under 137A.

The honourable member for Playford having withdrawn from the chamber:

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: So we are very proud to be working harder than ever in creating opportunities to grow our economy and to create more opportunities for our next generation.

Mr Malinauskas interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition is warned for a second and final time. I announced the member for King. I will come back to the member for Lee.