Deputy Premier

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens) (15:43): My question is to the Attorney-General. Does the Deputy Premier have the full support of her party room? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: On ABC 891 radio this morning, David Bevan said, and I quote:

I have spoken to Liberals who have said to me, 'Vickie has to go or the government will be in serious trouble'.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (15:43): I refer the member for West Torrens to my previous answer, and that is that I have full confidence in the Deputy Premier. She has done outstanding work.

When I speak to my colleagues, they marvel at the Deputy Premier's ability not only to masterfully deal with the very important work, the reform work, necessary to discharge her duties as the Attorney-General, but, of course, take on the very important portfolios of both planning and local government. She builds on the work that was done by the member for Kavel in those two important areas and, in fact, some work which was done by the previous planning minister—

The Hon. V.A. Chapman: The member for Schubert.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —sorry, Schubert—the former Attorney-General in the previous government, Mr Rau. I think that the changes that have been made and the implementation have been absolutely outstanding. The deputy leader enjoys our full support. I note that there are those who want to often talk about the demise of leadership in political parties. Can I just say, sir, that the deputy leader and I have sat next to each other in parliament now for nine years. In fact, it's probably the longest duo in the history. In fact, I have spent more time with Vickie than I was married and, can I just say, it has been a very happy relationship.

I expect it to continue well into the future for the reasons that I have outlined. The Deputy Premier has done an outstanding job, and that is why those opposite are motivated to do everything they can. In government we have a role, and that is to look after the people of South Australia, and I think that's what this government has to do.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: The role of the opposition—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —of course, is to frustrate and cause chaos, but that's their role. They are not doing a particularly good job at it, but this is their latest attempt. The reality is that, whilst those opposite want to play games, political games, and be motivated by these types of activities, we on this side of the house remain 100 per cent resolute and focused on the people of South Australia, whether that's dealing with the COVID challenges that we are dealing with at the moment or whether it be widespread reform, which we have effected and which have given a great outcome for the people of our state.