MATTERS OF INTEREST

LIBERAL PARTY

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:25): I would like to speak about a matter of urgency, and it is probably one of the most important issues facing our democracy for many years. As we all know, a strong democracy not only requires a strong government (which the Labor government is providing) but it also needs a strong opposition, something which has been lacking in this state for over seven years. I was horrified to hear on Friday at a luncheon that the Treasurer of the Liberal Party, Mr Ingerson, in a very grovelling, demeaning speech advised the audience that they were financially crippled and bordering upon bankruptcy. What the Liberals are now finding is that organisations and companies do not donate to parties that are not seen as viable, alternate governments. They do not donate to opposition parties that have no vision, no strategic plan and no goals.

Mr Ingerson, in a very begging way, then asked the audience and the companies to donate $2 million to help put the Liberals on a sound financial footing. The Labor Party knows from when it was in opposition how hard it is to raise money. I mean, we have all been to many sausage sizzles and bought many a ticket in a chook raffle. However, when we were in opposition in the 1990s, we understood what was required to get back into government. There were two choices: first, to become a proper alternative government; and, secondly, to raise money—and it is very difficult to raise money. Unfortunately, the Liberal Party is unable to prove that it is an alternative government, so its only option is to go out begging for money.

We on this side of the chamber understand the importance of having a viable opposition. It is important for a democracy; it keeps us on our toes. Sadly, this has been lacking in this state for many years. We want to help the opposition. We are here to help. Members on this side of the chamber have scoured the countryside looking for the appropriate size begging bowl required to collect $2 million. Both Mr Ingerson and Martin Hamilton-Smith (from another place) need to put an appropriate size begging bowl on each side of Rundle Mall, and they will be inundated very quickly with $1 and $2 coins. It will not take long for the punters to understand that they could probably throw a $2 coin from 10 metres, and they could even start up something like quoits to raise that amount.

On this side of the chamber, we have purchased an appropriate bowl which we will present to the Leader of the Opposition in this chamber. It very kindly asks for generous donations. It also has a little barometer inside which will show them when it gets close to $2 million. We will present that after my speech—

The PRESIDENT: Members should not be encouraged to bring things with writing on them into the chamber.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: It is such a serious situation in this state that the opposition is in such a shambles, especially after the incidents of yesterday. I understand that the phones are ringing, meetings are occurring in the back rooms and the corridors. The other day, I noticed the Hon. Mr Lucas and the Hon. Mr Evans from another place discussing tactics. The smart money and centre bet is that Mitch Williams will be the person leading the party after the winter break, narrowly beating Isobel Redmond for the position. So, they are now prepared to dump the Chapmans and the Evanses, those whose families have been feuding for generations, for new blood leading up to the next election.

I hope that there is a smooth transition and that there is no blood on the floor because this state deserves an opposition that is fully focused on the job—something we have not seen in this chamber for many years. We wish you good luck. Hopefully, this begging bowl will help you achieve your financial aims. I thank you, Mr President, for your indulgence.