State Debt

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee) (14:35): Supplementary to the Premier: what level of debt becomes unsustainable for the budget?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:35): We have just brought down our budget, so I think we have made it very clear what we believe the optimal position for that debt cover is. We have been encouraged to increase our debt, particularly around projects that will provide that fiscal stimulus and support over a two-year period.

We have been encouraged by those in the federal sphere to make sure that the money that we spend is targeted but also that it's temporary. It doesn't create some ongoing expectations for future budgets but gets in and provides work. That's why a lot of our projects have been maintenance projects, projects where we can get in and spend very quickly, as well as keep some work for not just the first six months of the coronavirus but the 18 months that come after that.

So we have nailed our colours to the mast. We have put down our financial document. It's called the budget. It was delivered here yesterday around about this time. I hope you were awake. It was a good budget. It outlined what we thought the sustainable debt level was. We have heard a lot of complaints about the debt level from those opposite, but what would they be cutting?

Members interjecting:

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: What projects would they be removing? What jobs would they be forsaking in South Australia? We are very clear: we are here for the people of South Australia.

The SPEAKER: Before I call the member for Lee, I call to order the Minister for Police, the Minister for Education and the Deputy Premier.