Speaker, Election

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier) (11:35): I remind the House of Assembly that it is now necessary to proceed to the election of a Speaker. I move:

That the member for Kavel take the chair of this house as Speaker.

The CLERK: Is the motion seconded?

Mr Tarzia: Yes, sir.

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN (Kavel) (11:35): I accept the nomination.

The CLERK: Further nominations?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: In compliance with the standing orders and in accordance with the traditions of parliament, I humbly submit myself to the will of the house.

The CLERK: There being no further nominations, I declare the member for Kavel the elected Speaker.

Honourable members: Hear, hear!

Mr Cregan was escorted to the dais by the mover and the seconder of the motion.

The SPEAKER (11:36): Members, I will well and truly serve this parliament and hope to bring dignity to the proceedings here. I acknowledge the important step the government has taken to institute and preserve the principle of an independent Speakership. As I said at an earlier time, it is my sincere belief that the Westminster tradition of having an independent Speakership is an important step and one drawn from traditions in another—in fact, the original—place. The Premier.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier) (11:37): Mr Speaker, on behalf of Her Majesty's government, we would like to congratulate you on your election and elevation to Speaker. Of course, Mr Speaker, this is not the first time that you, as the member for Kavel, have occupied the chair. In the first instance, you held that position and executed the position with great acclaim, grace and poise. I very much hope that under your stewardship this house performs its most primary and purposeful function of demonstrating its commitment to the interests of the people of South Australia and its progress.

Mr TARZIA (Hartley) (11:38): Mr Speaker, congratulations on behalf of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition on your elevation, on your re-election, to the role of Speaker. Mr Speaker, since 2018, you have made an enormous contribution in this place and you have demonstrated a thorough understanding of parliamentary procedure and also composure in the role. I also note that you have been re-elected with an increased majority in your own seat, sir, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of your own work in your own electorate. Sir, we hope as Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition that we can depend upon your impartiality and your objectivity that will enable us to make sure that we hold the government to account. Congratulations, good luck and go well.

The SPEAKER: Thank you, member for Hartley.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier) (11:39): I inform the house that Her Excellency the Governor will be prepared to receive the house for the purposes of presenting the Speaker at 12.15pm today. I move:

That the sitting of the house be suspended until 12.05pm.

Motion carried.

Sitting suspended from 11:40 to 12:05.