Drought Assistance

Mr TELFER (Flinders) (15:07): My question is to the Premier. Will the Premier visit drought-stricken farming communities this week rather than expecting them to travel hours to Adelaide to speak with him? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr TELFER: On 28 March, a social media post from Livestock SA Chair, Gillian Fennell, announced that the Premier had been invited, and I quote:

Not for a photo op. But to listen. To look people in the eye. To understand that without immediate and ongoing support, we risk losing more than just stock—we risk losing our producers, our communities, and the culture of care and stewardship they represent.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier) (15:08): I thank the member for his question. The short answer is that of course I am keen to meet with primary producers wherever they might be in the state. I had the opportunity to do that in and around our country cabinet visit to the Mid North. I did that when I was in the South-East, like I said, last year when dry conditions became apparent. It hasn't happened overnight. The only reason why I am not doing it in the current few days is because I am here with members opposite answering your questions.

I am more than happy to relinquish my parliamentary duties but I don't imagine those opposite would want me to do that, so we have been able to make some time in the diary in the not too distant future for me to get out and about, but in the absence of being able to leave Adelaide because of my parliamentary responsibilities to His Majesty's Loyal Opposition—

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS: —and the people of this state, that's right—we have convened the round table in Adelaide, not too dissimilar to the Leader of the Opposition and yourself, as the member for Flinders, meeting with primary producers here on the steps of parliament a few weeks ago. I understand the tenet of your question, but I think you also will understand that I physically can't be in two places at once, notwithstanding the fact that I have enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with primary producers in their own environment in the South-East and the Mid North, and I look forward to hopefully having that opportunity again in the not too distant future.