FINNIGAN, HON. B.V.

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (16:02): We were elected into this place to represent the views and concerns of the people of this state, and we are paid well to carry out those responsibilities to the best of our ability. There is no doubt that, as politicians, we are viewed by many with disdain, and it often seems that, just because we are politicians, we are not capable of honesty or integrity.

We have a situation in this chamber that is feeding that idea, and I am referring to the situation with Mr Bernard Finnigan. I raise this matter today because it is a matter of concern to many, many constituents who come to me and ask how I feel about Mr Finnigan's performance in this place and his attitude to his position. Those two matters I cannot defend, but I always make the point that everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence and that everyone has the right to a fair trial.

I am putting my position on the record so that, when next I am asked about this, I can refer people to this speech. I have been told many times that my silence and that of others is seen as accepting the unacceptable, and I do not believe that to be the case. In other words, our silence is seen as complicit in the contempt that Mr Finnigan is displaying towards the taxpayers of South Australia.

I do not deny Mr Finnigan the right to the presumption of innocence, and I do not deny him the right to earn a living during this time; and that, Mr President, is the key. Mr Finnigan seems to be defying what the union movement and the Labor Party were founded on—a fair day's work for a fair day's pay. He is in a position of privilege, elected to serve the people of this state and be paid accordingly, yet since being charged he has done little to uphold the function or the integrity of this place.

He is on the public purse and has not made one speech, asked one question or put forward one single utterance to represent the people of this state who pay his wage. He has been suspended from the Labor Party, and the Premier has stated that he should resign from his position because of his inability to carry out his duties. I do not suggest that he resign because at the end of the day that is a matter for his conscience alone, but surely he feels some level of responsibility to at least participate in the parliamentary process.

Mr Finnigan holds a seat in this place now as an Independent and he should carry out his duties as such rather than continuing to take taxpayers' money for nothing. They expect a bang for their buck, as they should, and right now many people see this as an abuse of privilege and an abuse of power. My view is that Mr Finnigan should do the job he is paid to do and then perhaps the level of disdain that people feel will subside to a certain degree. But, continuing to be seen to rip off the people of this state and he will never be forgiven, not even if he is found not guilty of the charges he faces.