Unemployment Figures

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA (Hartley—Leader of the Opposition) (14:12): My question is to the Premier. Premier, who will be the next Treasurer? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA: Today the ABS announced that South Australia has the worst unemployment rate in the nation. There are now 50,000 people unemployed in our state and the Treasurer announced his resignation today.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier) (14:12): No different to the environment minister, who has handled, I think, the unprecedented algal bloom with class and professionalism, the Treasurer of the state has dedicated himself to taking the financial position of the state away from deficit and towards surplus and led the state to having the fastest growing economy in the country.

Having a fast growing economy means that more South Australians are choosing to participate in the labour market, which is why we are seeing the participation rate jump up. We have seen the highest numbers of jobs in the history of the state. We have seen the unemployment rate with a three in the front of it for the first time in the history of the state, not once but 14 times. We have seen the South Australian economy be consistently awarded the best in the nation according to ANZ. The Commonwealth Bank: we are currently second. The ANZ Stateometer has got us best. The Business Council of Australia has got us as the best state in the country to do business. I think the Treasurer can be thanked for all of his hard work and I would add my thanks for his time in the parliament again.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Florey is on his final warning. Before I give the call to the leader, it's really annoying when you do that thing where you just like yell out of the corner of your mouth. You have been doing it all day; two minutes into question time. Please continue and maybe just keep the interjections to yourself.