Private Members' Statements

Private Members' Statements

Ms PRATT (Frome) (15:40): The catalyst for change usually starts with passionate people, and none more so than Mike Holden and Erin, who I am happy to host here today, from Kangaroo Island. Of course, they represent Kangaroo Island Brewery, one of the many fine institutions that exist on the island as a drawcard for our tourists. I am sure that the locals enjoy imbibing those multibrews as well. I got to know Mike and talked with him about the issues that face all islanders when it comes to travel barriers, and it is something that we share in common.

But today's address is to focus on the positives. It is the jewel in the crown when it comes to tourism opportunities. We know the travel vouchers should be incentivising people to make their way to Kangaroo Island. I sincerely hope to hear that people flock to Kangaroo Island to enjoy Seal Bay, Vivonne Bay, Emu Bay or get to Flinders Chase and enjoy a multibeer or enjoy the wineries and distilleries that are available, or to find their way to The (enchanted) Fig Tree, stay at the Ozone Hotel in Kingscote and generally enjoy everything that is wonderful about Kangaroo Island.

The challenges for the islanders continue when it comes to getting on and off, health barriers, and the PATS reform that is required that can lead to delayed transfer of care. We know that the agricultural industry have challenges when it comes to freight. But all in all, we want to encourage more and more people to discover the beauty of Kangaroo Island. I thank Mike Holden for his passion and advocacy on that matter.

S.E. ANDREWS (Gibson) (15:42): I rise to continue championing the incredible successes of the Brighton Bombers Lacrosse Club that fielded an amazing 10 teams across grand finals this season. But I particularly stand here today because I want to give a shout-out to the exceptional talent of their junior players and acknowledge those who have recently won awards, including the best girl defender, Jade Mossop; the best boy defender, Toby Virgo; most consistent girl, Sofie Mead; most consistent boy, Sam Inglis; best and fairest junior girl, Lily Maros; and best and fairest junior boy, Riley Attenborough.

It is an incredible achievement at such a young age to win an award and I know, given the history of the Brighton Lacrosse Club, that your pathway is evident before you. You have incredible mentors in the club, great success across all age levels, and I really believe that you are going to continue shining as you play the sport that you love.

Brighton has many teams that were successful this season, including the Brighton Bombers and Brighton Rugby Club, and it is an absolute honour to go out and support them whenever I can. I really congratulate them once again on an amazing season.

Mrs HURN (Schubert) (15:43): I rise to speak about some concerns which have been raised with me about some night works in my community as they relate to the Adelaide Hills Productivity and Road Safety Package. There are a number of night works happening along North East Road between Houghton and Gumeracha. First up, I want to make this point really clearly: we absolutely support these critical upgrades in my local community, but some of the disruptions and the lack of communication with local residents in my community has been really disappointing to say the least.

There are some night works that are happening on a section of road between Paracombe Road and Tippett Road. Some locals in my community have received emails that these works were occurring and others have not. For those who have not received this communication, it was really confronting for them to learn that they have a very extensive detour to get down the hill. This road is a really critical link between the Adelaide Hills and places like Modbury and Tea Tree Gully in my local community.

One of the most concerning elements of this is that it has been reported to me that emergency services were not notified of these night works, which has left some locals really disappointed and obviously concerned, because in an emergency every single minute counts. That is why I am really encouraging the department to be open and transparent with people in my local community about how long these night works are going to continue. It is really critical that they happen as quickly as possible and that there is adequate communication for members of my local community in the Adelaide Hills.

The Hon. L.W.K. BIGNELL (Mawson) (15:45): I rise to pay tribute to my favourite Kangaroo Islander, who we unfortunately lost last Friday at the age of 102, Dudley Roberts, born in Port Pirie. In 1943, as an 18 year old, he signed up to serve his country in World War II. He saw active service in Borneo and Papua New Guinea. He came back and, like so many young Australians, took part in soldier settlement programs, so he ended up in Parndana on Kangaroo Island, where he became a friend to so many. He was someone who always put his hand up to help. He was there every ANZAC Day and always involved in RSL activities.

I used to love having chats with him at the footy or at the local show. He always had an exceptionally good joke. There was a great one he told about politicians and how seldom we use our brains. It is too long to tell in the time that I have here, but it is a ripper.

The Premier met him one day. We were looking around the Kingscote hospital, and Dudley was in hospital, and the Premier got to meet him and hear some of his jokes. We are going to miss Dudley so much. To his children, Greg, Suzanne, Sandra, Janice and Ian, 15 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, I am sorry I will not be there at Dudley's funeral tomorrow, as I have some commitments in here. Dudley will never be forgotten by the people of Kangaroo Island. He was one of our greatest-ever residents.