Whyalla Steelworks

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA (Hartley—Leader of the Opposition) (14:21): My question is to the Premier. Now that the Premier won't give that guarantee, what impact will the appointment of an administrator at Whyalla have on the employees of the steelworks?

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier) (14:21): Well, it will mean that they go to work tomorrow and know they are going to get paid. It will mean that they go to work tomorrow in the knowledge they are not going to be made redundant. And here is a question for the Leader of the Opposition: what's your plan, what's your policy? If the Leader of the Opposition wants to depart—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS: The Leader of the Opposition yesterday bounced in here after one meeting with Mr Gupta and said, 'Give him 50 million bucks.' If the opposition leader's plan—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Members on my left and members on my right will come to order! The next person who speaks out of turn will be ejected. We had peace in our time this morning and a rabble this afternoon. Let's bring it back to a cordial afternoon of good questions and good answers.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS: Mr Speaker, it's a really simple one: if you don't support the steelworks going into administration then you must support it being in the ownership of GFG. We formed the view that it was time for a change, a different course of action. Anyone from the South Australian parliament that wants to raise their hand over the coming days and weeks and seek to criticise this course of action simply just needs to state from the outset that they think that the status of the business under GFG was better. That is all they have to do.

That is an option that is available to the Leader of the Opposition; that is an option that is available to all those opposite. I would invite you to consider that position very carefully. I invite you to think about that position very carefully, but nonetheless it is your prerogative to advocate for the interests of GFG. Here on this side of the house we are advocating for the interests of a secure steelworks into the future for the country. We are advocating for the interests of the people of Whyalla. Whether you are a creditor or a worker this government stands with you. This government is willing to make the hard decisions. This government is willing to put itself in a position where it has done all the work and wears the responsibility. But if you want to be in a position of responsibility, if you think you have a better plan, then you had better start telling us what it is. You had better start telling us what it is, and in the absence of that we would be grateful for your support.